The 2016 World T20 Champions West Indies have announced their squad for the T20 World Cup which begins on the 21st of February 2020 in Australia.
The team sees the return of captain Stafanie Taylor and all-rounder Deandra Dottin, who were out of the squad due to injuries. Lee-Ann Kirby, meanwhile, returned to the West Indies squad after more than 12 years. The 32-year-old all-rounder from Trinidad and Tobago played the last of her two T20Is in July 2008. Lee Ann Kirby returns to the team after an extended absence and it will be interesting to see how well she jells up with the current Carribean setup.
Here’s look at the Top 5 players to watch out for:
#1 Stafanie Taylor
West Indies is boosted by the return of captain Stafanie Taylor, who was out of the T20I series against India through injury and is such an impact player as a leader and a consistent performer as well. Stefanie is the second-highest run-getter in T20 Internationals scoring 2900 runs in 100 matches also picking up 84 wickets which surely makes her the most lethal all-rounder in the entire tournament.
#2 Deandra Dottin
Deandra Dottin is also back in this Windies squad and this makes it all the more interesting as she is such a powerhouse when it comes to T20 cricket. In 110 games Deandra has scored 2368 runs with 2 centuries to her name and also picked up 59 wickets in the process.
#3 Anisa Mohammad
Off-spinner Anisa Mohammad is one of the key bowlers in this Windies attack as she is always amongst the wickets. In 108 games, Anisa has picked up 118 wickets which makes her the highest wicket-taker in the history of T20I’s and also an absolute certainty in this side.
#4 Hayley Matthews
The 21-year-old Hayley already has a century to her name in T20I’s and is nearing 1000 runs having played 47 games and also picked up 45 wickets as well. She was also a part of the World Cup-winning team of 2016 and does have a lot of experience at such a young age.
#5 Shakera Selman
At 30 years of age, Shakera is one of the most experienced bowlers of this Windies attack. In 76 games Shakera has picked up 41 wickets and her ability to change the pace of the ball will be vital in Australian conditions for sure.
So these are the players who will look to make an impact. West Indies especially in this format are the most dangerous side in the tournament and will look to take that coveted trophy back home.
West Indies, who last played international cricket in November, will compete with Pakistan in three warm-up matches in Brisbane ahead of the T20 World Cup.
West Indies Squad:
Stafanie Taylor (c), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Cherry-Ann Fraser, Sheneta Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Lee-Ann Kirby, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Shakera Selman.
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