West Indies Women have named a refreshed and youthful squad for their upcoming three-match T20 International (T20I) series against Sri Lanka Women in Grenada from 28 February to 3 March, with the contest carrying added significance as a key preparatory step ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to begin in June. With the global event fast approaching, the series offers the Caribbean side a crucial opportunity to fine-tune combinations, assess depth and sharpen match readiness in the shortest format.
The squad will be led by Hayley Matthews, who continues to anchor West Indies’ white-ball plans both as captain and senior all-rounder. She is supported by an experienced core that includes Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin and Shemaine Campbelle, players whose tournament experience is expected to be central as the team builds momentum towards the World Cup. At the same time, the selectors have signaled a clear intent to broaden the group by introducing new faces who could play roles later in the year.
The most eye-catching inclusion is teenage batter Eboni Brathwaite, who has been rewarded for her strong performances in regional T20 cricket. Her power-hitting ability and confidence against pace and spin have marked her out as a player for the future, and the upcoming series will serve as an early test of how quickly she can adapt to international demands. With West Indies seeking greater dynamism in their batting line-up, Brathwaite’s progress will be closely watched.
Zaida James and Mandy Mangru have also been drafted into the T20 squad following the ODI series against Sri Lanka, as the team management looks to evaluate different skill sets ahead of the World Cup. James provides balance as an all-round option, while Mangru’s selection adds depth to the bowling unit, particularly in terms of control and versatility. Their inclusion underlines the importance being placed on identifying reliable contributors for specific roles in pressure situations.
The bowling group retains a familiar look, with Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack offering spin options suited to Caribbean conditions, complemented by pace from Chinelle Henry and Aaliyah Alleyne. Jahzara Claxton remains part of the setup as she continues her transition into regular international cricket, with the upcoming matches seen as valuable exposure ahead of a major tournament year.
Sri Lanka are expected to provide a competitive challenge, making the series an ideal rehearsal for the intensity West Indies can expect at the World Cup in June. Playing at home in Grenada allows the team to experiment in familiar conditions while still operating under match pressure, an aspect the coaching staff view as critical at this stage of preparation.
With limited time remaining before the global event, every match carries added weight. The Grenada series may not determine final World Cup selections on its own, but performances here are likely to influence combinations, roles and confidence levels as West Indies Women push towards June with clarity and purpose.
West Indies’ squad for Sri Lanka T20I series 2026:
Hayley Matthews (C), Chinelle Henry (VC), Aaliyah Alleyne, Eboni Brathwaite, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Shawnisha Hector, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor
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