Meet the Six Standout Players in the Women’s T20 World Cup

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Dubai: As the 2024 T20 Women’s World Cup approaches, set to kick off with ten teams vying for glory, AFP Sport highlights six standout players who are crucial to their teams’ chances of lifting the trophy on October 20.

Australia: Beth Mooney

The seasoned opener is currently ranked first in the ICC’s T20 batter rankings. A key figure in Australia’s triumphs in the last three T20 World Cups, Mooney was named ‘Player of the Series’ in 2020, scoring an unbeaten 78 in the final against India. After a strong warm-up performance, scoring 50 runs off 30 balls against England, the 30-year-old looks set to add to her tally of two T20I centuries.

England: Sophie Ecclestone

The 25-year-old left-arm spinner has emerged as a crucial player for England. Ranked as the top bowler in both T20 and ODI formats, Ecclestone made history in June by becoming the youngest player to reach 100 ODI wickets. Her height and skill lend her an advantage, making her a formidable weapon for captain Heather Knight, who praises her control and dual-threat ability.

India: Deepti Sharma

Known for her controversial ‘Mankad’ dismissal of England’s Charlie Dean, Deepti Sharma is a celebrated all-rounder. The 27-year-old left-handed batsman and right-arm off-spinner ranks second among T20 bowlers and third among all-rounders globally. Sharma believes that winning the World Cup in the UAE could significantly change the landscape of women’s cricket in India, inspiring more women to take up the sport.

South Africa: Sune Luus

Following her leadership in South Africa’s inaugural white-ball final last year, Luus enters the tournament as a versatile player who can both bat and bowl off-spin. Despite a tough series against Sri Lanka earlier this year, she rebounded strongly with impressive scores in subsequent matches. Luus expressed that her recent performances have restored her confidence as she aims to contribute meaningfully in the World Cup.

Sri Lanka: Vishmi Gunaratne

At just 19 years old, Gunaratne is seen as a rising star in women’s cricket. While her T20I statistics reflect an average of 20 with a strike rate of 92, she boasts an ODI century, scored just before her birthday against Ireland. This achievement marks her as a player to watch, particularly after a standout performance at the Under-19 level.

West Indies: Hayley Matthews

Having made an impressive debut at the age of 18 during the 2016 T20 World Cup, Matthews has become a key player for the West Indies. With an average of 25 in 96 T20Is and two centuries to her name, she is also a capable off-spinner, nearing a remarkable 100 wickets. At 26, Matthews acknowledges her team’s underdog status but remains focused on their potential.