New Delhi: Cricket West Indies has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Hayley Matthews appointed as captain. The team will strive to reclaim the title they last won in 2016 and which remains their sole victory in the Women’s T20 World Cup’s history.
West Indies will kick off their campaign against New Zealand on June 13 at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. They are slated to face Scotland at Headingley in Leeds on June 18, followed by group-stage matches against Sri Lanka at the Bristol County Ground on June 21, hosts England at Lord’s on June 24, and Ireland in Bristol on June 27.
Matthews will lead a squad that includes veteran players such as Deandra Dottin and Stafanie Taylor, who are essential for balancing the team’s batting, bowling, and fielding strengths. The top order will likely feature Qiana Joseph, while the middle order includes Dottin, Taylor, Chinelle Henry, and Jahzara Claxton. Wicketkeeping responsibilities will be managed by Shemaine Campbelle.
Coach Shane Deitz emphasized the need for effective powerplay batting, stating, “We know that in these conditions, strong powerplay batting and sustained scoring through the middle overs will be critical to winning games. Our analysis showed that when we score positively in the power play, particularly getting beyond that 45-run mark, we give ourselves a much stronger opportunity to control matches. Alternatively, with the ball, we need to restrict boundaries in the power play and throughout the innings.”
The West Indies squad is notable for its depth in spin options, featuring Ashmini Munisar, Afy Fletcher, Mandy Mangru, and Karishma Ramharack, alongside Matthews and Zaida James. The pace attack includes Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Jannillea Glasgow, Shawnisha Hector, Jahzara Claxton, and Dottin.
The selection reflects a strategy tailored to the conditions expected in England, focusing on flexibility among players capable of handling both pace and spin. Deitz remarked on the importance of maintaining intent regardless of wicket loss and providing depth to ensure an aggressive approach later in innings. He also highlighted the necessity for bowlers who can switch between attacking and defensive tactics as needed during the match.
