Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Squads, schedule and all you need to know.
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is upon us, with excitement building as the tournament kicks off in the United Arab Emirates from October 2. With ten teams vying for the coveted title, this edition is set to be a thrilling showcase of talent, skill, and determination. The Indian women’s team, in particular, aims to make history by securing their first World Cup title, following in the footsteps of their male counterparts.
Tournament Format and Groups
Format
The tournament features a total of ten teams divided into two groups of five. Each team will play four matches in the group stage. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals. The knockout stages consist of two semifinals and a final, providing ample opportunity for upsets and thrilling finishes.
Groups Breakdown
Group A:
Australia (Defending Champions)
India
New Zealand
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Group B:
South Africa
England
West Indies
Bangladesh
Scotland (Debuting team)
This structure ensures that every match carries weight and significance, making every moment crucial as teams strive for the semifinals.
Match Schedule
The tournament features an exciting lineup of matches that are expected to captivate cricket fans worldwide. Below is the detailed schedule of the group stage matches:
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) | Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 3 | Bangladesh vs. Scotland | Sharjah | 3:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka | Sharjah | 7:30 PM | 6:00 PM | |
| October 4 | South Africa vs. West Indies | Dubai | 3:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| India vs. New Zealand | Dubai | 7:30 PM | 6:00 PM | |
| October 5 | Australia vs. Sri Lanka | Sharjah | 3:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Bangladesh vs. England | Sharjah | 7:30 PM | 6:00 PM | |
| October 6 | India vs. Pakistan | Dubai | 3:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| West Indies vs. Scotland | Dubai | 7:30 PM | 6:00 PM | |
| October 7 | England vs. South Africa | Sharjah | 7:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| October 8 | Australia vs. New Zealand | Sharjah | 7:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| October 9 | South Africa vs. Scotland | Dubai | 3:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| India vs. Sri Lanka | Dubai | 7:30 PM | 6:00 PM | |
| October 10 | Bangladesh vs. West Indies | Sharjah | 7:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| October 11 | Australia vs. Pakistan | Dubai | 7:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| October 12 | New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka | Sharjah | 3:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Bangladesh vs. South Africa | Dubai | 7:30 PM | 6:00 PM | |
| October 13 | England vs. Scotland | Sharjah | 3:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| India vs. Australia | Sharjah | 7:30 PM | 6:00 PM | |
| October 14 | Pakistan vs. New Zealand | Dubai | 7:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| October 15 | England vs. West Indies | Dubai | 7:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| October 17 | Semi-final 1 | Dubai | 7:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| October 18 | Semi-final 2 | Sharjah | 7:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| October 20 | Final | Dubai | 7:30 PM | 6:00 P |
This schedule not only highlights key matches but also emphasizes the geographical diversity of the venues, with Sharjah and Dubai hosting multiple games.
Team Squads
Each participating team has assembled a squad that reflects a mix of seasoned veterans and upandcoming talent. Below are the key squads for the tournament:
Group A Squads
India:
Captain: Harmanpreet Kaur
Key Players: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh
Australia:
Captain: Alyssa Healy
Key Players: Ash Gardner, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath
New Zealand:
Captain: Sophie Devine
Key Players: Suzie Bates, Jess Kerr, Fran Jonas
Pakistan:
Captain: Fatima Sana
Key Players: Nida Dar, Muneeba Ali, Diana Baig
Sri Lanka:
Captain: Chamari Athapaththu
Key Players: Harshitha Madhavi, Inoka Ranaweera
Group B Squads
Bangladesh:
Captain: Nigar Sultana Joty
Key Players: Jahanara Alam, Ritu Moni, Nahida Akter
England:
Captain: Heather Knight
Key Players: Nat SciverBrunt, Alice Capsey, Sophie Ecclestone
Scotland:
Captain: Kathryn Bryce
Key Players: Sarah Bryce, Abtaha Maqsood
South Africa:
Captain: Laura Wolvaardt
Key Players: Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Ayabonga Khaka
West Indies:
Captain: Hayley Matthews
Key Players: Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin
These squads highlight the depth of talent in women’s cricket, with many players capable of changing the course of a match singlehandedly.
Key Storylines and Players to Watch
India’s Quest for Glory
The Indian women’s team, under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, is eager to secure their first World Cup title. With strong performances in recent tournaments, players like Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma will be crucial in their campaign. The highly anticipated match against Pakistan on October 6 is expected to draw significant attention, given the historical rivalry between the two nations.
Australia’s Title Defense
As the defending champions, Australia aims to make history by clinching their fourth consecutive title. With a squad boasting experience and talent, players like Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry are crucial in maintaining their dominance in women’s cricket.
Emerging Teams
The inclusion of debuting teams like Scotland adds an exciting dynamic to the tournament. Captained by Kathryn Bryce, Scotland will look to make a mark against some of the strongest teams in the world. Their match against Bangladesh on October 3 will be an important test for both sides.
Star Players
Throughout the tournament, fans will be treated to exceptional displays of cricket from star players across all teams. Keep an eye on:
Sophie Devine (New Zealand): Known for her explosive batting and clever bowling.
Nida Dar (Pakistan): A key allrounder who can shift the momentum in Pakistan’s favor.
Heather Knight (England): An experienced leader whose strategic acumen will be pivotal.
Where to Watch
Fans can catch all the action of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 through various broadcasting and streaming options:
Television Broadcast
Live Telecast: All matches will be available live on the Star Sports Network, allowing cricket enthusiasts to follow every ball from the comfort of their homes.
Live Streaming
Online Streaming: Fans can enjoy live streaming of the matches on Disney+ Hotstar, making it easy to watch on various devices.
Conclusion
The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be a landmark event in women’s cricket, showcasing the skill and determination of female athletes on a global stage. With fierce competition, thrilling matches, and passionate fans, this tournament is set to break new ground in promoting women’s sports.
As teams battle it out for the ultimate prize, the world will be watching closely to see which team will emerge as the champion. Whether you’re a diehard cricket fan or a casual viewer, the excitement of the Women’s T20 World Cup is not to be missed! Make sure to mark your calendars and support your favorite teams as they strive for glory in this exhilarating tournament.
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