Hayley Matthews to Lead Strong West Indies Squad in ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024

Hayley Matthews will captain a 15-member West Indies squad in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, featuring the return of veteran Deandra Dottin. The team, a mix of experience and youth, is expected to perform strongly, starting their campaign against South Africa on October 4.

Hayley Matthews is set to lead the West Indies' 15-member squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, a team bolstered by the comeback of seasoned cricketer Deandra Dottin, who recently reversed her international retirement. Joining Matthews and vice-captain Shemaine Campbell, Dottin is among the most experienced players with over 100 T20I caps.

Matthews herself is on the verge of a century of T20I appearances, having played 96 games to date. Dottin, known for her impactful batting, also brings valuable medium-pace bowling skills. The squad is full of versatile players like Matthews, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, and Mandy Mangru, according to head coach Shane Deitz.

"The players have shown great commitment and determination throughout our preparations," said Deitz, as quoted by the ICC. "We are focused on executing our game plan and making the West Indies proud on the world stage." CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe echoed similar sentiments: "Our well-balanced team, a mix of experience and youth, has been thoroughly prepared for the World Cup challenges ahead."

Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, and the uncapped Nerissa Crafton will spearhead the pace attack, while Matthews, Ashmini Munisar, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, and Karishma Ramharack will handle spin duties. The West Indies are grouped with England, South Africa, Scotland, and Bangladesh in the competition's Group B.

They will kick off their World Cup journey on October 4 against South Africa, with warm-up games scheduled against India and Australia. The squad for the T20 World Cup includes Hayley Matthews (c), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbell (vc, wk), Ashmini Munisar, Afy Fletcher, Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Chedean Nation, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, and Nerissa Crafton. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)