Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a 15-member West Indies Women’s squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa starting on February 11.
The squad sees the inclusion of three West Indies Under 19 Rising Stars players who recently competed in the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 World Cup. They are Zaida James, Trishan Holder and Djenaba Joseph.
Shemaine Campbelle, wicketkeeper/batsman has been named as vice-captain. Experienced all-rounder Stefanie Taylor has been named in the squad subject to a final fitness assessment.
“The selectors have chosen a mix of youth and experience for the next T20 World Cup,” said Chief Selector Ann Browne-John.
“Four senior players who have been out with injuries are back – Stafanie Taylor, Shakera Selman, Chinelle Henry and Chedean Nation.
“We continue on the development path to grow women’s cricket in the region, so we feel the time is right to include three of the rising under-19 stars in the squad.”
Browne-John added that James, Joseph and Holder have made great progress.
“Zaida brings both left-arm batting and orthodox left-arm bowling, both of which the team has lacked in recent times,” said Browne-John.
“Djenaba is a versatile striker and Trishan, a powerful striker and a goal-keeping option. They have all proven that they can hold their own at this level. We believe the 15 players are a good all-round mix and we expect them to be able to compete in this World Cup.”
The West Indies squad features six players, Hayley Matthews, Shemaine Campbelle, Stafanie Taylor, Shamilia Connell, Shakera Selman and Afy Fletcher, who became world champions in 2016.
The West Indies have been drawn in Group 2 along with England, India, Pakistan and Ireland and will travel to Cape Town on Friday, February 3, before the start of the tour, which will begin on Friday, February 10. with hosts South Africa. in Sri Lanka.
Newlands, Cape Town; Boland Park, Paarl and St.
FULL Squad: Hayley Matthews (captain), Shemaine Campbelle (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Shabika Gajnabi, Chinelle Henry, Trishan Holder, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, Chedean Nation, Karishma Selmanha Stafanie Taylor and Rashada Williams.
T20 World Cup Match Schedule
Monday, February 13: West Indies vs England, Boland Park, Paarl, 15:00 (09:00 Eastern Caribbean / 08:00 Jamaica)
Wednesday, February 15: West Indies vs India, Newlands, Cape Town, 15:00 (09:00 Eastern Caribbean / 08:00 Jamaica)
Friday, February 17: West Indies vs Ireland, Newlands, Cape Town, 7pm (1pm Eastern Caribbean/12pm Jamaica)
Sunday, February 19: West Indies vs Pakistan, Boland Park, Paarl, 15:00 (09:00 Eastern Caribbean / 08:00 Jamaica)
