Key Players to watch out in ICC WT20 2018 – Part 1
Ireland
After ending the ICC T20 2018 Qualifiers on a high, Ireland are looking forward to make a mark in the main tournament. This would be the Irish women’s third appearance in the ICC WT20. Having been a part of previous WT20’s , skipper Laura Delaney, Clare Shillington would hope to put their hands up.
Isobel Joyce , the leading wicket taker for the Ireland side in T20’s will be expected to make an impact in this prestigious event.
Bangladesh
The Bangladesh women are currently on a dream run. Since their surprise wins against India in the Asia cup and finishing at the top in the ICC WT20 qualifiers , the girls have re asserted their opponents that they are no underdogs.
With the likes of Salma and Fahima Khatun, the tigresses form a formidable bowling attack. They will be the ones to look out for in the tournament.
Batting has been a perennial problem for them , Ayasha Rahman and Fargana Hoque , the experienced players will be expected to compliment their bowling attack.
Pakistan
Another team from the Asian sub-continent that will ride on the shoulders of its bowlers to go up to the knock out stage of this World Cup. The stars of the team will be
Sana Mir
Mir recently became the first Pakistani to bag the top spot in the ICC Women ODI Rankings. With a truckload of experience under her belt, Mir will undoubtedly form the backbone of the Pakistani bowling attack.
Nashra Sandhu
One of the most promising bowlers in the lineup is the left arm spinner, Nashra Sandhu. The 20 year old has an impressive average of 17 in T20I’s. She will come in handy as Pakistan face teams having strong batting line-ups such as Australia, India and New Zealand. Sandhu made an impact in Pakistan ‘s series victory over Bangladesh in October this year and might come out as a surprise to her opponents.
Sri Lanka
Taking some confidence from the solitary win against the Indian team in the ODI series held in October this year, the ladies from the Emerald Isle face an uphill task. The Sri Lankan women certainly believe that they have the talent to cause upsets but admitted to poor execution. They will look up to
Chamari Athapattu
The skipper shot into fame with her aggressive knock of 178 against the Aussies in the ICC WWC last year. Since then, she has been a part of WBBL and the KIA Super League. Athapattu is known for taking the attack to the opposition.The skipper will have to lead from the front in all aspects of the game.
Shasikala Siriwardene
The experienced all-rounder has been around the Sri Lankan contingent for a reasonable amount of time. Siriwardene can be handy with bat and ball.
India
Having had ups and downs since the ICC WWC 2017, the Women in blue have finally found their feet in murky waters. A revamped squad filled with youngsters makes the Indian squad an unpredictable one. Majority of the squad will be participating in their maiden World Cup. Beaming with confidence post drubbing Sri Lanka at their home, the mood in the Indian camp is upbeat. The players who are most likely to make a mark in this tournament are
Smriti Mandhana
The southpaw has been in terrific form recently. Mandhana scored the maximum number of runs in the KIA Super League at England early this year. Even after a poor run in Sri Lanka, she is expected to be the X – factor in this young Indian batting lineup along with young Jemimah Rodrigues.
Poonam Yadav
Yadav has never put a foot wrong post the ICC WWC 2017. The wily leggie is not afraid to toss the ball up which helps her to pick up wickets. Yadav was prolific in the Sri Lankan tour too. With favourable conditions, she is bound to be a vital cog in the Indian wheel.