The Hayley Matthews-led side were last involved in a white-ball series at home against Bangladesh that included a three-match ODI series followed by a three-match T20I series in January, earlier this year. The home side sealed both series (2-1) in ODIs and (3-0) in T20Is in a dominating manner.
The next assignment for the Hayley Matthews-led side is the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Pakistan from 9th–19th April 2025 in Lahore, featuring a total of six teams namely, Bangladesh, Ireland, Thailand, Scotland, and hosts Pakistan along with the West Indies.
It is a crucial battleground for these teams, who missed out on direct qualification in the upcoming ODI World Cup in India, this year. The teams finishing in the top two spots in the qualifiers will book their ticket for the Women’s ODI World Cup in India.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) recently confirmed the squad that will represent the Caribbean, blending seasoned veterans with promising young talent, as the team sets its sights on securing a spot in the World Cup. The qualifiers, held across the Gaddafi Stadium and Lahore City Cricket Association Stadium will be played in the round-robin format.
The West Indies Women’s campaign begins on April 9, against Scotland, and continues with matches against Ireland, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Thailand. As part of their preparation, the team will participate in a pre-tournament camp in the UAE before heading to Pakistan. The camp will serve as an important opportunity for the players to refine their skills, build team cohesion, and adapt to conditions similar to those they’ll face in Lahore.
West Indies Women’s recent performances underline their potential to excel under pressure. Their home series against Bangladesh featured promising displays of individual brilliance, while the CG United Women’s Super50 Cup showcased the team’s emerging talent. The UAE camp will allow them to refine their strategies and acclimatize to foreign conditions, further boosting their confidence ahead of the qualifiers.
West Indies Head Coach Shane Deitz is optimistic about the team’s chances despite acknowledging the intense competition they will face. “It’s going to be a tough tournament with some really good teams to play against, but we are right up for the challenge. We’ve prepared well and played some good cricket in the last series against Bangladesh. We have got to be at our best in every game, prepare well off the field, trust our skills, play our best cricket, and the result will take care of itself.”
Captain Hayley Matthews also shared an equally encouraging perspective. “As we head into the World Cup Qualifiers, we know we’ve prepared well for this moment. The team environment feels like a family, and we’ve all been enjoying ourselves out on the park. Winning this is a big goal for us as a team, and we’re confident in our chances to perform at a high level.”
The 15-player squad includes a healthy mix of stalwarts and rising stars. Notable inclusions are former captain Stafanie Taylor and Chinelle Henry, both returning from injuries. Their experience will be invaluable in anchoring the team. Rashada Williams, who impressed during the Women’s Super50 Cup, has earned her spot as one of the promising young faces in the squad.
The wicket-keeper batter Rashada Williams representing Jamaica had an outstanding time in the Women’s Super50 Cup, a domestic tournament in the Caribbean. She was the leading run-scorer for her side and the 2nd highest run-scorer of the tournament with 214 runs to her name.
The experienced veteran all-rounder Deandra Dottin misses out due to an injury which she suffered just before the Eliminator in the Women’s Premier League 2025, on March 13.
West Indies Squad for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier:
Hayley Matthews (C), Shemaine Campbelle (VC), Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannillea Glassgow, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams
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