The West Indies cricket team has announced its women’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland. The selection panel from Cricket West Indies (CWI) revealed the 14-member squad, which includes three rising stars from the Women’s Under-19 category.
The three players who have been called up to the squad are Zaida James, Ashmini Munisar, and Djenaba Joseph. These talented young players showcased their skills during the Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 tournament, which featured teams from various regions in the Caribbean. Their inclusion in the squad highlights the importance of balancing youth with experience as the West Indies women rebuild their team for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.
CWI lead selector Ann Browne spoke about the selection process and explained that the players who performed well in the previous ODI series were retained. These players’ contributions were instrumental in securing a series win, which is a significant achievement for the team.
Browne emphasized the importance of finding the right balance between young talent and experienced players. By including the three rising stars in the squad, the West Indies team hopes to provide opportunities for the younger generation while benefiting from the guidance and experience of the senior players.
The T20 series against Ireland is scheduled to take place at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground. All three matches in the series will start at 5 pm Eastern Caribbean Time (2:30 pm IST). The matches are set to be held on July 4, July 6, and July 8, respectively.
The squad for the series includes Hayley Matthews as captain and Shemaine Campbelle as vice-captain. Other players in the squad are Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, Qiana Joseph, Ashmini Munisar, Stafanie Taylor, and Rashada Williams.
This announcement is an exciting development for women’s cricket in the West Indies. The inclusion of young talent showcases the commitment to nurturing and developing future stars in the sport. It also creates healthy competition within the team, motivating players to perform at their best.
Fans of West Indies cricket will be eagerly anticipating the upcoming T20 series against Ireland, as it will provide a glimpse into the future of the women’s team. The blend of youth and experience within the squad will undoubtedly present an exciting brand of cricket and set the foundation for success in future tournaments.
The West Indies women’s team will be hoping to build on their recent series win and continue their upward trajectory in the world of cricket. As preparations for the 2024 T20 World Cup continue, the team’s focus will be on not only winning matches but also nurturing the next generation of talented cricketers.
