Following a memorable run to the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, West Indies embarked on a new cycle determined to establish themselves among the game’s leading sides. Hayley Matthews’ team had produced one of the tournament’s biggest moments by eliminating England before eventually falling to New Zealand in the semi-finals. As they now prepare for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Caribbean side arrives with a squad that has experienced both encouraging progress and challenging setbacks over the last eighteen months.
Their preparations began with a home series against India in December 2024. Although West Indies suffered a 2-1 defeat, the series offered several positives. In the opening T20I, Qiana Joseph showcased her attacking potential with 49 off 33 balls, while Deandra Dottin counterattacked with a blistering 52 from just 28 deliveries. West Indies bounced back emphatically in the second match as Matthews produced a match-winning all-round performance, claiming 2/36 before smashing an unbeaten 85 from 47 balls to lead her side to a nine-wicket victory. Even in the deciding game, where India posted 217/4, Chinelle Henry’s explosive 43 off 16 deliveries highlighted the firepower developing within the middle order.
The Caribbean side quickly returned to winning ways in January 2025 with a dominant 3-0 sweep over Bangladesh at Basseterre. Dottin set the tone in the opening fixture, blasting an unbeaten 51 off 22 balls as West Indies chased down 145 with ease. The second T20I produced one of the team’s most complete performances of the cycle as they piled up 201/6, powered by Qiana Joseph’s 63 off 36 deliveries, before securing a commanding 106-run victory. The final match saw young all-rounder Jannillea Glasgow enjoy a breakthrough outing, contributing 25 runs and figures of 3/15 to help complete the clean sweep. Dottin finished as the leading run-scorer of the series with 110 runs and was named Player of the Series.
A tougher challenge awaited in England in May 2025. While the hosts completed a 3-0 series victory, West Indies still produced several standout individual performances. Matthews was exceptional throughout the tour, beginning with a magnificent unbeaten 100 from 67 balls in the opening T20I at Canterbury. Despite limited support around her, the captain accumulated 177 runs across the series. She continued to lead from the front in the final match, scoring 71 from 54 deliveries and claiming 3/32 with the ball. Young seamer Jahzara Claxton also impressed, particularly in Chelmsford where she returned economical figures of 1/15 against a powerful England batting lineup.
West Indies responded strongly the following month by claiming a 2-1 home series victory over South Africa. After a disappointing defeat in the opener, they rallied behind the form of their captain. Matthews anchored the chase in the second T20I with an unbeaten 63 and also picked up a wicket as West Indies levelled the series. She followed that effort with another match-winning display in the decider, scoring 65 and taking 1/26 as the hosts successfully chased 148 to secure the series. Afy Fletcher was equally influential throughout the contest, finishing with five wickets and providing control in the middle overs.
The momentum proved difficult to sustain in early 2026. A rain-affected series against Sri Lanka ended in disappointment as West Indies lost both completed matches and struggled to find consistency with the bat. Matters became even more challenging when Australia toured the Caribbean shortly afterwards. The visitors completed a 3-0 sweep despite spirited efforts from the hosts. Matthews once again led from the front with 97 runs across the series, while Dottin and Claxton contributed with five and four wickets respectively, but Australia’s depth ultimately proved too strong.
West Indies’ final preparation before the World Cup came at the Ireland Tri-Series in Dublin. They opened with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Ireland, driven by a superb all-round display from Matthews, who struck an unbeaten 82 from just 44 balls, claimed 1/20 and held three catches. The following day, the Caribbean side showcased their batting strength by posting 199/6 against Pakistan. Chinelle Henry played a decisive role with an unbeaten 33 off 17 deliveries before returning figures of 2/13 in a Player of the Match performance as West Indies secured a 25-run victory. Although rain disrupted the remainder of the tournament, the series provided valuable momentum heading into the global event.
As the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, West Indies will draw confidence from the emergence of several players alongside their established stars. Matthews remains the heartbeat of the side, consistently contributing with bat and ball, while Dottin’s return to form has strengthened the middle order. Qiana Joseph has developed into an explosive top-order option, and young talents such as Glasgow and Claxton have shown they can make an impact on the international stage. Combined with the experience of players like Chinelle Henry and Afy Fletcher, West Indies possess a squad capable of challenging the world’s best. If they can translate their flashes of brilliance into sustained performances, another deep World Cup run could be within reach.
West Indies Squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026:
Hayley Matthews (C), Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Jannillea Glasgow, Jahzara Claxton, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Mandy Mangru, Shawnisha Hector
West Indies Schedule at ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026:
13th June 2026: vs New Zealand
18th June 2026: vs Scotland
21st June 2026: vs Sri Lanka
24th June 2026: vs England
27th June 2026: vs Ireland
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