The stage is set for one of the most inspiring and empowering chapters in women’s cricket, the 2nd edition of the European Cricket Meltl Shield, returning from 15th to 21st September 2025 at the picturesque Cártama Oval in Málaga, Spain.
What began as a historic best-of-nine series in Rome last August, a captivating duel between Team Europe and Team Britain & Ireland, has now expanded into a truly global spectacle. This year, the tournament embraces a four-team format, mirroring the success of the Weston Shield, to bring together the European XI, British & Irish XI, World XI, and Asian XI. Once again, women’s cricket will take the spotlight, celebrated across high-octane T10 clashes.
The Meltl Shield, named in honour of Manuela Meltl-Weston, wife of ECN founder Daniel Weston, remains committed to its mission: increasing visibility, providing opportunities, and building icons in the women’s game across Europe and beyond.
This year’s edition not only raises the bar competition-wise but also elevates its symbolic value by appointing icon players as captains and mentors:
Babette de Leede (European XI): A powerhouse batter and wicketkeeper, De Leede returns as one of Europe’s most influential names. Her leadership promises to blend aggression with tactical finesse.
Saira Jabeen (Asian XI): Known for her grit and all-round ability, Jabeen represents Asia’s depth of emerging cricketing talent, embodying the tournament’s goal of inspiring the next wave.
Dane van Niekerk (World XI): One of the great modern leaders and all-rounders in women’s cricket, the former South Africa captain brings with her global star power, competitiveness, and an unmatched cricketing brain.
Together, these figures will not just battle on the pitch but also continue to be ambassadors for women’s cricket, bridging cultures and inspiring countless aspiring players across Europe.
Squads:
World XI:
A beautifully diverse unit, oozing experience and flair. With Dane van Niekerk at the helm, the World XI features a mix of pace threats like Stella Campbell and Shanika Bruce, along with power players such as Jessica Watkin and Hayley Jensen, giving the squad a balance of dynamism and steel.
Squad: Sunette Viljoen-Louw, Loreen Tshuma, Sindhu Sriharsha, Geetika Kodali, Disha Dhingra, Rishika Jaswal, Reniece Boyce, Dane van Niekerk, Shanika Bruce, Stella Campbell, Shunelle Sawh, Hayley Jensen, Jessica Watkin, Tasmeen Granger
British and Irish XI:
Determined to go one better after suffering defeat in the inaugural Meltl Shield, this squad represents a spirited blend of developing and proven domestic talent. The likes of Tilly Kesteven, Beth Gammon, and Ria Fackrell provide firepower, while the youthful energy of Niamh Muir and Amy Wheeler underlines the promise of what’s to come in the region.
Squad: Tilly Kesteven, Beth Gammon, Amy Gordon, Grace Wetherall, Megan McColl, Niamh Muir, Ria Fackrell, Caitlin Belcher, Krista De La Mare, Rachel King, Amy Wheeler
European XI:
The defending champions! With Babette de Leede leading from the front, the European XI once again blends established performers with an exciting cohort of emerging cricketers. From the consistent Sterre Kalis to the versatile Gabriella Sequeira and the promising Naomi Hilliman Bermejo, this squad is brimming with potential and hungry to defend its crown.
Squad: Sterre Kalis, Isabel Van Der Woning, Ashwini Balaji, Iresha Witharana, Priya Sabu, Emilia Bartram, Gabriella Sequeira, Kat Frost, Methnara Rathnayake, Tina Gough, Ilenia Sims, Naomi Hilliman Bermejo, Iris Zwilling
Asian XI:
Led by icon player Saira Jabeen, the Asian XI features a fascinating blend of experience and raw energy. Names like Natthakan Chantham and Nannapat Koncharoenkai bring an international pedigree, while talents such as Indu Barma and Danía Abedul Samad highlight the breadth of growth across Associate cricket nations. This group may well be the dark horse of the tournament.
Squad: Roshini Prince-Navaratnam, Natthakan Chantham, Nannapat Koncharoenkai, Kary Chan, Yasmin Daswani, Neha Shermin, Indu Barma, Meepage Nimasha, Safa Hannah Shafiq, Seemana KC, Rhia Sedha, Dania Abedul Samad
From Rome in 2024 to Málaga in 2025, the Meltl Shield continues its journey not just as a tournament but as a movement for women’s cricket. The expansion to four teams ensures a greater cultural mix, more playing opportunities, and thrilling matchups that were once unimaginable at this level.
For fans, the Meltl Shield is more than nine games of T10 cricket; it is the celebration of progress, diversity, and resilience, played out by women determined to build pathways for the future.
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