West Indies have made a single tweak to the group that lost 3–0 to Australia in March, bringing off-spinner Ashmini Munisar in for top-order batter Ebony Brathwaite for next month’s Women’s T20 World Cup in England.
The same 15 will first face Ireland and Pakistan in a short tri-series already under way in Bready and Dublin (28 May-3 June). That outing should offer a gentle dress-rehearsal before the World Cup opens on 12 June.
Hayley Matthews continues as captain – her third tournament in charge – with all-rounder Chinelle Henry again the deputy. The middle order carries familiar heft in Deandra Dottin and Stafanie Taylor, while left-armer Zaida James is expected to share the new ball with Henry. Matthews, Karishma Ramharack and Afy Fletcher provide the frontline spin, Munisar adding an extra option if conditions turn.
Part of Group 2, West Indies begin against defending champions New Zealand in Southampton on 13 June before travelling to Leeds to take on Scotland. Sri Lanka, hosts England and Ireland complete their schedule.
Head coach Shane Deitz is pinning hopes on sharper starts: “We know that in these conditions, strong powerplay batting and sustained scoring through the middle overs will be critical to winning games,” he said. “Our analysis showed that when we score positively in the powerplay, particularly getting beyond that 45-run mark, we give ourselves a much stronger opportunity to control matches. Alternatively with the ball, we need to restrict boundaries in the power play and throughout the innings.”
Explaining selection, Deitz added: “We’ve therefore selected a group with flexibility at the top of the order, players who can handle both pace and spin effectively, and importantly, batters capable of maintaining intent regardless of wickets lost, along with ensuring depth in the batting so we can continue attacking deep into the innings. We also wanted bowlers who can attack when necessary but also quickly shift into defensive modes and execute under pressure at every stage of the innings.”
Recent results show work to do: 14 wins and 21 defeats in the past 12 months underline an inconsistent run. Yet Matthews’ side have proved awkward travellers before – they won the title in India back in 2016 – and retain enough experience to trouble higher-ranked opponents if the powerplay numbers improve.
West Indies squad for tri-series and T20 World Cup
Hayley Matthews (capt), Chinelle Henry (vice-capt), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Shawnisha Hector, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor
