Five Things to Expect at Women’s T20 World Cup

After the humongous success of the Men’s T20 World Cup, ICC is gearing up for another sporting spectacle. From 3rd October onwards, some of the best female cricketers will fight tooth and nail for a chance to clinch the prestigious women’s T20 World Cup crown.

The world's best white-ball teams will head to UAE in pursuit of victory and a place in the history books. With several high-profile names like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Alyssa Healy, Dani Gibson and Stafanie Taylor participating in the tournament, the women’s T20 World Cup will surely attract record breaking crowds to the stadiums. A year and a half after Australia’s record-breaking sixth win in South Africa, the Women’s T20 World Cup is back for one last time in its current 10-nation format before a major revamp. As teams prepare to make their mark, the stage is set for an exciting tournament. 

From the contenders from Down Under, who have dominated this competition since it began, to past champions like England and West Indies aiming for a second title, there’s no shortage of contenders who believe they can go all the way. So, here’s a look at five things to watch out for in the Women’s T20 World Cup. 

1) India aiming for their maiden T20 World Cup crown 

Despite having competed in all eight editions of the Women’s T20 World Cup, India’s women’s cricket team is still chasing their first title. Their closest shot came in 2020, when they finished as runners-up to Australia. But this time, many fans and experts believe that India finally have the firepower to break their title drought. Ranked third in the ICC T20 rankings, just behind powerhouses Australia and England, the statistics suggest India have a strong chance to go all the way. 

Leading the charge is Smriti Mandhana, the reigning Women’s Cricketer of the Year, who has been in stellar form with 495 runs in 14 innings, averaging 45 with a strike rate of 122.82 in 2024. Alongside Mandhana, India will be counting on Harmanpreet Kaur and Shafali Verma to deliver with the bat. In the bowling department, Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh will be key to taking crucial wickets. With a well-rounded squad, Team India is definitely a contender for the title—and this could finally be their moment. 

2) Will Australia’s gamble on pace pay off? 

Australia is the greatest women’s T20 nation in the world, there are no two ways about it. The women from Down Under, have won the competition a record six times. The next closest nations are England and West Indies with just one World Cup. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that they are considered the overwhelming favorites for this year’s World Cup too. Australia is boasting an impressive arsenal of fast-bowling talent, including Darcie Brown and Tayla Vlaeminck, who could make their international debut together for the first time.  

While the UAE pitches are typically spinner-friendly, the extra pace on slow, low wickets could catch teams off guard. Captain Alyssa Healy shares this sentiment, saying, "I think having those two in our side is a huge point of difference. Especially in conditions we are going to get, having real pace in your side is a real advantage." 

3) England looking to break their World Cup draught 

The England women’s team won the inaugural T20 World Cup with a thrilling six wicket victory over New Zealand at Lord’s in 2009. However, since that victorious night, England have failed to clinch the T20 World Cup. But English fans are betting that the 2024 T20 World Cup will finally end that draught.  

England are banking on players who shined in the recent Hundred competition, bringing in fresh talent like slow left-arm spinner Linsey Smith (15 wickets at an impressive 9.66), right-arm pacer Lauren Bell (nine wickets at 20.77), all-rounder Dani Gibson (eight wickets at 30.62 and 111 runs with a strike rate of 135.36), and keeper-batter Bess Heath (three dismissals and 48 runs at a strike rate of 97.95). 

While this means some familiar faces will miss out, it guarantees an in-form squad led by the seasoned Heather Knight as they head to the UAE, aiming to secure their first ICC Women’s T20 title since 2009. 

4) West Indies banking on experienced heads to lead them to victory 

2016 was a banner year for West Indies cricket, as both the men’s and women’s teams clinched T20 World Cup titles in stunning fashion. The women's side claimed a thrilling 8-wicket victory over Australia just days before the men triumphed at Eden Gardens, proving that their talent could shine on the global stage despite limited resources. But since then, the fortunes of West Indies cricket have taken a nosedive. 

As they gear up for the 2024 T20 World Cup, the West Indies women are leaning on familiar faces like Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin to lead the charge. Dottin’s return from international retirement brings a seasoned presence back to the squad, joining forces with former captain Stafanie Taylor, current skipper Hayley Matthews, and vice-captain Shemaine Campbelle. This experienced leadership group aims to steer the team back to glory. 

Since reaching the semi-finals on home soil in 2018, the 2016 champions have struggled to make it past the early stages of the tournament. But with their seasoned stars at the helm, they'll be hoping to rewrite that script in the UAE. 

5) Dark Horses for the title 

Pakistan’s performance at the T20 World Cups have been abysmal. On eight separate outings, the women in green have failed to make it out of the first round. However, the 2024 T20 World Cup at Pakistan’s second home, UAE, could be very different. Pakistan's decision to make a surprise leadership change ahead of the T20 World Cup seems less about overhauling tactics and more about getting the best out of Nida Dar by freeing her from the pressures of captaincy. This strategic move also allows the new captain, Fatima Sana, to explore her leadership potential. 

Interestingly, the squad heading into the T20 World Cup sees just one change from the team that competed in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, highlighting the selectors’ confidence in their established core. This consistency could provide the stability Pakistan needs to challenge the bigger teams, as the squad looks to build on recent performances and create a deeper run in the tournament. 

With a blend of seasoned players and emerging talent, Pakistan is banking on this leadership shake-up to bring a fresh dynamic to their campaign in the UAE. The move could be the spark they need to compete against the world’s best, and it’ll be fascinating to see how this gamble pays off on the global stage.  

Also Read: India Announce squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 | Scorewaves