The ICC Women’s World T20I is all set to kick start from November 9 with top 10 teams clashing for the crown. Hosts and defending champions West Indies will be the one to beat as they aim for the title for the second time. Till now, Australia is the most successful team having won the title 3 times. Coming to the 6th edition, Australia would be looking to increase their dominance. On the other hand, India who failed to make it to the semis will be keen to repeat their 2017 World Cup form and show the world what they are capable off.
This year, many experienced players from the past World Cup alongside some young talents are among the ones to watch for. Here we take a look at 10 players to watch for in ICC Women’s World T20I:
Harmanpreet Kaur (IND)
Nation’s new favourite, Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain and all-rounder will be the key for India. She has been talk of the town for her stunning 171* against Australia in the World Cup 2017 semifinals. Coming to the World T20, Harmanpreet and Co will be looking to make a better fist of the tournament. This will be an interesting opportunity for the Women in Blue to show the world what they are capable of. The skipper is as handy with both, bat and ball. She has 24 wickets at an economy rate of 6.19 runs per over. If she does well, India has chances of getting their hands on the coveted trophy.
Smriti Mandhana (IND)
A power-hitting batswoman, Smriti Mandhana has impressed one and all with her batting performance. Mandhana, the vice-captain of the team, will be the mainstay with captain Harmanpreet and former skipper Mithali Raj. For Mandhana, it is more about timing and class. Her form will be key for the Indian side to put up a good total on board.
Jemimah Rodrigues (IND)
Partnered with Smriti Mandhana, young Mumbaikar, Jemimah Rodriges is another impressive player this year. Ever since she was promoted to the top order, Jemimah hasn’t disappointed so far in the T20Is and her numbers are enough to say. Her recent form has been excellent and she was on top of the batting chart when India defeated Sri Lanka in the 5-match T20I series. This will be her first international major tournament and she will surely be looking make something out of it.
Suzie Bates (NZ)
New Zealand were the finalists for the 1st two World T20Is. However, this time, for them to grab the trophy, a lot depends on former skipper Suzie Bates. Suzie has played in more than 100 T20Is and will be key for the Kiwis.
Ellyse Perry (AUS)
The Australian all-rounder deserves a mention in this list for sure. She plays as an all-rounder, which is the most important spot in the limited overs format. Representing Australia in both formats, ODIs and T20Is, Perry is the ace of the team as she could win the game on her own.
Danielle Hazell (ENG)
England last won the World T20I title back in 2009 and finished runners-up twice against Australia. Speaking of Hazell, she provides a perfect balance to the bowling attack and has an economy rate of 5.5 runs per over which is stunning. In the last edition, Hazell missed the tournament with injury and now she would be looking to make it up this time by giving her best.
Laura Wolvaardt (SA)
Those who are following Women’s cricket would surely know the name of Laura Wolvaardt. She the youngest South African (male/female) and 2nd youngest in the world to score an ODI century. She achieved this feat at the age of 17 years 105 days in her 7th ODI appearance. Over the years, South Africa failed to make it to any finals of ICC events. Coming to the World T20I, Proteas women would want Wolvaardt to repeat her old form.
Danielle Wyatt (ENG)
Image taken from @ICC/Twitter
This English player is another destructive batter in the women’s game. Danielle Wyatt is famously known for her fondness towards Indian skipper Virat Kohli. Danielle often tweets acknowledging the Indian skipper for his heroics. Talking about her, she is the only player alongside Deandra Dottin to have scored two centuries in the limited overs format. During the India tour, Danielle hit 64-ball 124 in Mumbai. England will surely rely on her to have a good run at the top of the order, especially with Sarah Taylor missing the tournament due to injury.
Alex Hartley (ENG)
Image taken from @ICC/Twitter
Hartley is the youngest in the English team. She is part of the team as a left-arm spinner and provides variety to English attack. She made her ODI debut in 2016 and till now has taken 17 wickets.
Stafanie Taylor (WI)
Just like West Indian men, women need no introduction. Stafanie Taylor, who was the player of the tournament in the last edition, is expected to be the lynchpin of the team. Taylor scored 246 runs and took 8 wickets in the last edition. The Windies, who are the coming to the tournament as defending champions, would need Taylor to hit hard and perform like the ‘defending champions’.