The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be an exciting tournament, featuring top talent from around the globe. Ten teams will be vying for the prestigious title, and with the tournament’s intensity growing each year, it’s the perfect time to highlight key players who are expected to shine. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these players will play pivotal roles for their respective teams.
1. Alyssa Healy (Australia Women)
- Matches: 159
- Runs: 2987
- Highest Score: 148*
- Batting Average: 25.31
- Strike Rate: 129.47
- 50s/100s: 17/1
Alyssa Healy, a cornerstone of the Australian women’s cricket team, is renowned for her aggressive and fearless approach at the top of the order. Her stunning 148* against Sri Lanka in the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is still one of the greatest innings in T20 cricket history. Healy’s ability to dominate the powerplay and her strike rate of 129.47 make her a key player to watch out for. Australia, being a powerhouse in women’s cricket, will once again rely on Healy’s explosive batting to defend their title.
2. Maia Bouchier (England Women)
- Matches: 35
- Runs: 538
- Highest Score: 91
- Batting Average: 23.39
- Strike Rate: 121.71
- 50s/100s: 2/0
Maia Bouchier, a rising star in England’s batting lineup, has quickly made a name for herself with her consistency and adaptability. She may not have a T20 century to her name yet, but her strike rate of 121.71 and highest score of 91 show that she’s capable of big innings. England will look to her to provide crucial stability in the middle order during this Women’s T20 World Cup.
3. Dayalan Hemalatha (India Women)
- Batting Record: Matches – 23, Runs – 276, Highest Score – 47, Batting Average – 16.23, Strike Rate – 111.74
- Bowling Record: Matches – 23, Wickets – 9, Best Bowling – 3/15, Economy – 6.49, Bowling Average – 14.66
Dayalan Hemalatha is India’s promising batting all-rounder who brings balance to the side. Although her batting stats suggest she’s still looking to make a mark, her ability to chip in with wickets at key moments cannot be overlooked. Her best bowling figure of 3/15 shows her potential to be a game-changer with the ball. India will rely on Hemalatha’s all-round contributions as they aim to lift their first Women’s T20 World Cup.
4. Sophie Devine (New Zealand Women)
- Batting Record: Matches – 137, Runs – 3277, Highest Score – 105, Batting Average – 28.25, Strike Rate – 125.46
- Bowling Record: Matches – 137, Wickets – 117, Best Bowling – 4/22, Economy – 6.56, Bowling Average – 18.84
Sophie Devine is a powerhouse in women’s cricket and one of New Zealand’s most consistent performers. A genuine batting all-rounder, Devine’s ability to win matches with both bat and ball is second to none. Her aggressive batting style, combined with her knack for picking wickets at crucial intervals, makes her a player to watch out for. Devine will be key if New Zealand are to make a deep run in this tournament.
5. Tazmin Brits (South Africa Women)
- Matches: 57
- Runs: 1385
- Highest Score: 81
- Batting Average: 31.47
- Strike Rate: 106.21
- 50s/100s: 12/0
Tazmin Brits has become a key part of South Africa’s batting lineup. Her average of 31.47 reflects her consistency, and with 12 half-centuries to her name, she’s a reliable top-order batter. Brits’ ability to anchor innings while maintaining a solid strike rate makes her an integral player for South Africa, especially in pressure situations.
6. Hayley Matthews (West Indies Women)
- Batting Record: Matches – 93, Runs – 2261, Highest Score – 132, Batting Average – 25.69, Strike Rate – 112.93, 50/100 – 12/2
- Bowling Record: Matches – 93, Wickets – 97, Best Bowling – 4/10, Economy – 5.90, Bowling Average – 17.21
West Indies’ captain Hayley Matthews is a proven match-winner with both bat and ball. Her aggressive batting style and her ability to pick wickets with economical spells make her a crucial player. Matthews has the talent to turn games single-handedly, and her leadership will be vital in West Indies’ campaign for a second Women’s T20 World Cup title.
Also Read: Weather and Venue: Conditions That Could Impact the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
7. Sugandika Kumari (Sri Lanka Women)
- Matches: 81
- Wickets: 58
- Best Bowling: 3/17
- Economy: 6.01
- Bowling Average: 27.98
Sugandika Kumari is one of Sri Lanka’s most experienced bowlers. Known for her accuracy and ability to restrict runs, Kumari will play a vital role in keeping the opposition’s batting in check. Her ability to strike in the middle overs will be key for Sri Lanka’s success in this Women’s T20 World Cup.
8. Fatima Sana (Pakistan Women)
- Bowling Record: Matches – 43, Wickets – 31, Best Bowling – 3/18, Economy – 7.40, Bowling Average – 31.67
- Batting Record: Matches – 43, Runs – 316, Highest Score – 37*, Batting Average – 26.33, Strike Rate – 113.66
Fatima Sana is a promising bowling all-rounder for Pakistan, capable of contributing with both bat and ball. While her bowling has been her primary strength, with her best figure of 3/18, her batting has shown signs of improvement. Her ability to chip in with runs at crucial moments will be important for Pakistan’s chances in this tournament.
9. Fariha Trisna (Bangladesh Women)
- Matches: 12
- Wickets: 12
- Best Bowling: 4/19
- Economy: 6.84
- Bowling Average: 20.83
Fariha Trisna, although relatively new to the international stage, has impressed with her bowling. Her ability to deliver in key moments, as reflected in her best bowling figures of 4/19, makes her one of Bangladesh’s emerging talents. Trisna will be pivotal if Bangladesh are to make an impact in this tournament.
10. Kathryn Bryce (Scotland Women)
- Batting Record: Matches – 45, Runs – 1197, Highest Score – 73*, Batting Average – 39.90, Strike Rate – 104.08
- Bowling Record: Matches – 45, Wickets – 46, Best Bowling – 4/8, Economy – 4.30, Bowling Average – 13.47
Scotland’s all-rounder Kathryn Bryce is a standout performer. With an exceptional batting average of 39.90 and her ability to take wickets at a bowling average of 13.47, Bryce is Scotland’s go-to player. She’ll be a key figure if Scotland are to make an impression in the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Conclusion
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is shaping up to be a thrilling competition, with these players set to make a significant impact. Whether through explosive batting, game-changing all-round performances, or tight bowling spells, these cricketers will be central to their teams’ success. Keep an eye on these key players as they battle it out for World Cup glory.