The Only 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup Preview You Need: Can Australia Be Stopped?

The Only 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup Preview You Need: Can Australia Be Stopped?

The 2024 T20 World Cup is around the corner and only question is in everyone’s mind—Can the mighty Australians be defeated?

In 8 T20 World Cups so far, they have won six, were runners-up and semi-finalists in the other two. West Indies & England are the only other two winners, although India & South Africa have upped their credentials recently in the shortest international format.

The World Cup has been moved from Bangladesh to the UAE, and Scotland are the newest entrants in the Women’s T20 World Cup.

The format? 10 Teams, 2 Groups of 5 followed by semi-finals and a final:

  • Group A: Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
  • Group B: Bangladesh, England, Scotland, South Africa, West Indies

Key Takeaways

  • Bangladesh & Scotland are fielding the youngest units (averaging the age of 25), while Sri Lanka (30) and West Indies (29) have the oldest average age.
  • Australia has the most experienced squad averaging about 66 matches per player, while Scotland has the least experience, averaging 33 matches per player.
  • India has the highest total number of runs scored (13,820) followed closely by Australia (12,163), England (11,769), and New Zealand (11,376).
  • West Indies and Sri Lanka have the highest total number of wickets taken (592 each), while Scotland (261), Bangladesh (302), Pakistan (389), and India (421) have the lowest.
  • Australia have won each of their last 10 T20Is, England has won 9/10, and New Zealand has lost all 10 out of 10.

Here is a quick statistical glance at each team separated by groups.

Table of Contents

Jump to the preview of the team you want to look into or predictions at the very bottom.

2024 T20 Women’s Cricket World Cup: The Ultimate Preview

*Note: The average T20I experience and average age are rounded up.

1. Australia T20 World Cup Preview

  • World Cup History: SF, Won, Won, Won, Runners-Up, Won, Won, Won
  • Last 10 Matches (Most Recent First): WWWWWWWWWW
  • Group Stage Opponents (In Order): SL, NZ, Pak, Ind

Australia Team Characteristics

Average T20I Experience 66 Matches
(980 among 15 players)
Average Age 28
Total T20I Runs 12,163
Total T20I Wickets 568
# of Left Handed Batters in Top 8 2
# of Bowling Options 12
(7 Right Arm Pace, 2 Off Spin, 2 Leg Spin, 1 Left Arm Spin)
# of Keeping Options 2

Strengths

The Australian all-rounders are the envy of the world: Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, and Ash Gardner to name a few. Key to Australia’s bowling strategies, they are also the engine room. Time and time again, rescuing Australia or providing the big finishes. And in case any of them have to be left of the XI, Annabel Sutherland is waiting in the wings. Amazing depth!

Weaknesses

Will the lack of Meg Lanning leave a whole in the middle order? Also, how will Healy take the pressure of T20 World Cup captaincy? Also the heat in the UAE has been a talking point leading up to the makeshift World Cup in the UAE.

Look Out for

  • With the Ball: Sophie Molineux. Her spin will be crucial to keeping the run rate down in UAE conditions.
  • With the Bat: Phoebe Litchfield. This 21-year old future star is averaging 42.5 and striking at 158.38 in her 10 inning T20I career so far.

Squad: Alyssa Healy (WK/C), Beth Mooney (WK), Phoebe Litchfield, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Darcie Brown, Sophie Molineux, Megan Schutt, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham

Expected Starting XI: 1. Healy (C), 2. Mooney, 3. Perry, 4. Gardner, 5. Litchfield, 6. McGrath, 7. Wareham, 8. Sutherland, 9. Molineux, 10. Schutt, 11. Brown

Embed from Getty Images

2. Bangladesh T20 World Cup Preview

  • World Cup History: Round 1*, Round 1, Round 1, Round 1, Round 1
  • Last 10 Matches: LWWLLLLLLL
  • Group Stage Opponents: Sco, Eng, WI, SA

*qualified for the first time in 2014

Bangladesh Team Characteristics

Average T20I Experience 42
(619 among 15 players*)
Average Age 25
Total T20I Runs 4,944
Total T20I Wickets 302
# of Left Handed Batters in Top 8 1
# of Bowling Options 9 (4 Right Arm Pace, 3 Leg Spin, 1 Left Arm Spin, 1 Off Spin)
# of Keeping Options 1

Fun Fact: 2 Debutants in the Squad

Strengths

Sultana is carrying some form from the Asia Cup—48*(59), 62*(37), and 32 (51).

Weaknesses

After the Asia Cup, Bangladesh made five changes to the World Cup squad with Rumana Ahmed, Rubya Haider, Ishma Tanjim, Sabikun Nahar, and Shorifa Khatun dropped. Unsettled squad is not a good sign going to a world cup. Also the noise outside of cricket may affect the players. With the revolution in Bangladesh and the WC moved out from Bangladesh to the UAE, things are all over the place for the Tigers currently.

Look Out for

  • With the Ball: Jahanara Alam, one of the faster bowlers in women’s cricket, can she make use of the UAE pitches to the fullest?
  • With the Bat: Nigar Sultana. Captain will have to lead from the front if Bangladesh has any chance.

Squad: Nigar Sultana (C), Dilara Akter (WK), Sobhana Mostary, Murshida Khatun, Shathi Rani, Taj Nehar, Disha Biswas, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Jahanara Alam, Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter, Sultana Khatun

Expected Starting XI: 1. D Akter, 2. M Khatun, 3. Mostary, 4. Sultana (WK), 5. Nehar, 6. S Akter, 7. R Moni, 8. R Khan, 9. N Akter, 10. Alam, 11. S Khatun

Embed from Getty Images

3. England T20 World Cup Preview

  • World Cup History: Won, Round 1, Runners-Up, Runners-Up, SF, Runners-Up, SF, SF
  • Last 10 Matches: LWWWWWWWWW
  • Group Stage Opponents: Ban, SA, Sco, WI

England Team Characteristics

Average T20I Experience 60
(890 Matches Among 15 Players)
Average Age 26
Total T20I Runs 11,769
Total T20I Wickets 474
# of Left Handed Batters in Top 8 1
# of Bowling Options 12 (3 Right Arm Pace, 1 Left Arm Pace, 2 Left Arm Spin, 4 Off Spin, 2 Leg Spin)
# of Keeping Options 2

Strengths

Momentum. England have won 9 out of their 10 recent T20Is, although they lost the most recent one against Ireland—A team that did not qualify for the T20 World Cup. Another strength is the core experience in Danni Wyatt, Heather Knight, Amy Jones, and Nat Sciver-Brunt.

Weaknesses

The lower middle order has not had much of an opportunity.

Look Out for

  • With the Ball: Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell. Ecclestone has been at her economical best this year: 4.75, 7.5, 4.25, 3.88, 4.75, 9.0, 8.5, 6.25, 4.0, 7.5. Bell has taken 2 wickets or more in six of her last T20Is.
  • With the Bat: Sophia Dunkley is the next big player in England cricket. She has already proved her credentials in ODIs. Can he make her name in the shortest format?

Injury News

Squad: Heather Knight (C), Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley, Bess Heath (WK), Amy Jones (WK), Danni Wyatt, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Lauren Bell, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith

Expected Starting XI: 1. Wyatt, 2. Dunkley, 3. Capsey, 4. Sciver-Brunt, 5. Knight (C), 6. Jones (WK), 7. Gibson, 8. Ecclestone, 9. Glenn, 10. Smith, 11. Bell

Embed from Getty Images

4. India T20 World Cup Preview

  • World Cup History: SF, SF, Round 1, Round 1, Round 1, SF, Runners-Up, SF
  • Last 10 Matches: LWWWWW(NR)LWW
  • Group Stage Opponents: NZ, Pak, SL, Aus

India Team Characteristics

Average T20I Experience 64
(959 Matches Among 15 Players)
Average Age 27
Total T20I Runs 13,820
Total T20I Wickets 421
# of Left Handed Batters in Top 8 3
# of Bowling Options 12 (3 Right Arm Fast, 1 Left Arm Spin, 1 Leg Spin, 7 Off Spin)
# of Keeping Options 2

Strengths

The opening pair. Mandhana is striking at 122.82 at an average of 45 this year with fifties, while Shafali is averaging 36.16, striking at 132.72, and has 3 fifties, including an 81.

Weaknesses

Potentially unsettled batting order. In the last few matches, India have had a flexible middle order, which can both be a good or bad thing. Finalizing Rodrigues & Deepti Sharma’s batting position will do India a world of good. Deepti’s finish in the Hundred final was one for the ages.

Look Out for

  • With the Ball: Radha Yadav. This tournament might be one for left arm spinners in the UAE, and Radha Yadav is no exception.
  • With the Bat: Jemimah Rodrigues. She has already played a T20Is at the age of 24. Strike rate is at the lower end of 114.26, but is averaging 30.5 with 11 fifties, the glue that keeps the batting order together.

Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana, Yastika Bhatia (WK), Richa Ghosh (WK), Dayalan Hemalatha, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Shreyanka Patil, Sajeevan Sajana, Deepti Sharma, Asha Sobhana, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav

Expected Starting XI: 1. Verma, 2. Mandhana, 3. Bhatia/Hemalatha, 4. Kaur (C), 5. Rodrigues, 6. Ghosh (WK), 7. Sharma, 8. Vastrakar, 9. Yadav, 10. Thakur, 11. Reddy

Embed from Getty Images

5. New Zealand T20 World Cup Preview

  • World Cup History: Runners-Up, Runners-Up, SF, Round 1, SF, Round 1, Round 1, Round 1
  • Last 10 Matches: LLLLLLLLLL
  • Group Stage Opponents: Ind, Aus, SL, Pak

New Zealand Team Characteristics

Average T20I Experience 60
(891 Matches Among 15 Players)
Average Age 27
Total T20I Runs 11,376
Total T20I Wickets 549
# of Left Handed Batters in Top 8 1
# of Bowling Options 13 (8 Right Arm Fast, 3 Off Spin, 1 Left Arm Spin, 1 Leg Spin)
# of Keeping Options 1

Strengths

Suzie Bates. One of the greatest of all-time, Bates has given NZ decent this year: 43, 38, 16, 16, 33, 34, 19. Can she convert and play the match winning innings?

Weaknesses

New Zealand has been in complete disarray recently. Have not qualified for the semi-finals in the last 3 T20 World Cups and have lost all of their last 10 T20Is. The experienced Sophie Devine isn’t standing up consistently with the bat. Apart from the two fifties this year, she has scores of 17,0,9,5,12,4, and 5.

Look Out for

  • With the Ball: Amelia Kerr. Just watch her googlies. Talent for the ages.
  • With the Bat: Amelia Kerr. Also has a 232 in her name in ODI cricket. Can do everything.

Squad: Sophie Devine (C), Isabella Gaze (WK), Maddy Green, Georgia Plimmer, Suzie Bates, Brooke Halliday, Amelia Kerr, Eden Carson, Fran Jones, Leigh Kasperek, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu

Expected Starting XI: 1. Bates, 2. Plimmer, 3. Devine (C), 4. A Kerr, 5. Halliday, 6. Green, 7. Gaze (WK), 8. Kasperek, 9. Mair, 10. J Kerr, 11. Tahuhu

Embed from Getty Images

6. Pakistan T20 World Cup Preview

  • World Cup History: Round 1 (all 8 times)
  • Last 10 Matches: LWLLWWLLLL
  • Group Stage Opponents: SL, Ind, Aus, NZ

Pakistan Team Characteristics

Average T20I Experience 51
(761 Matches Among 15 Players)
Average Age 27
Total T20I Runs 7,056
Total T20I Wickets 389
# of Left Handed Batters in Top 8 1
# of Bowling Options 11 (4 Right Arm Fast, 1 Left Arm Fast, 2 Leg Spin, 2 Left Arm Spin, 2 Off Spin)
# of Keeping Options 2

Strengths

The Top 4. In the 3 matches Pakistan has won in their 10 matches, they have chased 87, chased 107 against UAE without loss (Feroza 62*, Ali 37*), and put up 181 against South Africa (Ali 45, Amin 28, Dar 29, Sana 37*).

Weaknesses

Apart from Sadia Iqbal (who has 24 wickets this year), there are no other standout performers: Nida Dar (13), Sana (7), Sandhu (7), Hassan (7), Baig (6).

Look Out for

  • With the Ball: Nida Dar. The stalwart is no longer the captain, but still the heart of the team. Has scored a few 20s recently, but can she convert it to 40s or 50s?
  • With the Bat: Sadia Iqbal. Another left arm spinner to look out for. Has taken 42 wickets in the last two years. Her bowling strike rate this year is 14.5, down from 22 and 24 in the previous two years.

Squad: Fatima Sana (C), Gull Feroza (WK), Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (WK), Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Nida Dar, Syeda Aroob Shah, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan

Reserves: Najiha Alvi (WK) – Traveling, Rameen Shamim, Umm-e-Hani

Expected Starting XI: 1. Ali (WK), 2. Feroza, 3. Amin, 4. Dar, 5. Sana (C), 6. Riaz, 7. Hassan, 8. Shamas, 9. Iqbal, 10. Sandhu, 11. Baig

Embed from Getty Images

7. Scotland T20 World Cup Preview

  • World Cup History: Qualified for the first time in 2024
  • Last 10 Matches: WWLWWWLW(NR)(NR)
  • Group Stage Opponents: Ban, WI, SA, Eng

Scotland Team Characteristics

Average T20I Experience 33
(494 Matches Among 15 Players)
Average Age 25
Total T20I Runs 5,024
Total T20I Wickets 261
# of Left Handed Batters in Top 8 0
# of Bowling Options 12 (6 Right Arm Fast, 1 Left Arm Fast, 1 Leg Spin, 4 Off Spin)
# of Keeping Options 1

Strengths

Rising confidence led by the in-form captain, Kathryn Bryce. Scotland is coming off a win against Pakistan in the warm-up matches, a win against England, and most importantly, qualifying for the first time. Also, their schedule is in increasing difficulty: Bangladesh, WI, SA, and England. They may be favorites against Bangladesh and if they can surprise West Indies, you just never know.

Weaknesses

Lack of left handers in the batting order and no left-arm spin options..

Look Out for

  • With the Ball: Abtaha Maqsood, the leg spinner. Has been consistently among the wickets in the last 3 years, taking 9,10, and 9 wickets respectively. Her economy in 2023 was a miserly 4.86.
  • With the Bat: Saskia Horley. Across formats, Horley has been in tremendous form, scoring 100, 71, and 43 in ODIs, and following it up with a 48 in the T20 warm-up against Pakistan.

Squad: Kathryn Bryce (C), Sarah Bryce, Ailsa Lister, Olivia Bell, Darcey Carter, Katherine Fraser, Saskia Horley, Abtaha Maqsood, Rachel Slater, Chloe Abel, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Priyanaz Chatterji, Lorna Jack, Megan McColl, Hannah Rainey

Expected Starting XI: 1. Horkley, 2. S Bryce, 3. K Bryce, 4. McColl, 5. Lister, 6. Chatterji, 7. Jack, 8. Fraser, 9. Slater, 10. Rainey, 11. Maqsood

Embed from Getty Images

8. South Africa T20 World Cup Preview

  • World Cup History: Round 1, Round 1, Round 1, SF, Round 1, Round, SF, Runners-Up
  • Last 10 Matches: WLWL(NR)WLLLL
  • Group Stage Opponents: WI, Eng, Sco, Ban

South Africa Team Characteristics

Average T20I Experience 52
(772 Matches Among 15 Players)
Average Age 27
Total T20I Runs 8,733
Total T20I Wickets 352
# of Left Handed Batters in Top 8 0
# of Bowling Options 11 (6 Right Arm Fast, 2 Left Arm Spin, 2 Leg Spin, 1 Off Spin)
# of Keeping Options 2

Strengths

South Africa’s batting order is one of the bests in the world. Starting from the captain, Wolvaardt-Brits all the way down to Kapp-Luus-Tryon. Annerie Dickerson who scored 44*(23) in her last outing, might not even start since Kapp is back.

Weaknesses

Lack of left handers in the batting order. Also, how will South Africa cope without Shabnim Ismail?

Look Out for

  • With the Ball: Marizanne Kapp. As the tournament approaches the latter part, Kapp’s importance increases. Her ability to set the tone with economical spells up front can set the tone for South Africa.
  • With the Bat: Chloe Tryon. One of the best finishers in the game and a complete all-rounder, watch out for Tryon if matches get close.

Squad: Laura Wolvaardt (C), Tazmin Brits, Mieke de Ridder (WK), Sinalo Jafta (WK), Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Seshnie Naidu, Chloe Tryon, Ayanda Hlubi, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeo Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukune

Expected Starting XI: 1. Wolvaardt (C), 2. Brits, 3. Bosc, 4. Kapp, 5. Mlaba, 6. Tryon, 7. Jafta (WK), 8. de Klerk, 9. Mlaba, 10. Khaka, 11. Sekhukune

Embed from Getty Images

9. Sri Lanka T20 World Cup Preview

  • World Cup History: Round 1 (all 8 times)
  • Last 10 Matches: LWWWWWWLLW
  • Group Stage Opponents: Pak, Aus, Ind, NZ

Sri Lanka Team Characteristics

Average T20I Experience 64
(959 Matches Among 15 Players)
Average Age 30
Total T20I Runs 9,074
Total T20I Wickets 592
# of Left Handed Batters in Top 8 3
# of Bowling Options 11 (3 Right Arm Fast, 1 Left Arm Fast, 3 Off Spin, 3 Left Arm Spin, 1 Left Arm Wrist Spin)
# of Keeping Options 1

Fun Fact: Sri Lanka are simultaneously fielding the oldest player in the tournament (Udeshika – 39) and the youngest (Shashini – 15).

Strengths

The Asia Cup win would have been a huge boost to Sri Lanka’s confidence. Chasing 167 in a final and winning with 8 balls and 8 wickets to spare is a wonderful achievement!

Weaknesses

The lower middle order. While Gunaratne-Samarawickrama-Athapaththu, and Dilhari make up a strong Top 4, if they were to collapse, Sri Lanka would have a tough time coming back into the game.

Look Out for

  • With the Ball: Udeshika Prabodhani. With 80 wickets at 22.41 average, it is a pretty impressive accomplishment for a left arm medium.
  • With the Bat: Cannot look past Chamari Athapaththu. In Asia Cup, she had scores of 119*(69), 49*(35), 63 (48), and 61 (43).

Squad: Chamari Athapaththu (C), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani (WK), Nilakshika Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Ama Kanchana, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Achini Kulasuriya, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabhodhani, Inoka Ranaweera, Shashini Gimhani, Sachini Nisansala

Expected Starting XI: 1. Gunaratne, 2. Athapaththu (C), 3. Samarawickrama, 4. Dilhari, 5. Perera (WK), 6. N Silva, 7. Kanchana, 8. Nisansala, 9. Priyadharshani, 10. Kumari, 11. Gimhani

Embed from Getty Images

10. West Indies T20 World Cup Preview

  • World Cup History: Round 1, SF, SF, SF, Won, SF, Round 1, Round 1
  • Last 10 Matches: WWLWLWWWLW
  • Group Stage Opponents: SA, Sco, Ban, Eng

West Indies Team Characteristics

Average T20I Experience 57
(845 Matches Among 15 Players)
Average Age 29
Total T20I Runs 11,283
Total T20I Wickets 490
# of Left Handed Batters in Top 8 1
# of Bowling Options 15 (6 Right Arm Fast, 1 Left Arm Fast, 5 Off Spin, 2 Left Arm Spin, 1 Legspin)
# of Keeping Options 2

West Indies also has two debutants in their squad.

Strengths

Versatility in this team. All 15 players in the squad can roll their arms. Campbelle & Nation can do the third skill of keeping as well.

Weaknesses

Will Deandra Dottin’s unretirement cause issues in the settled lineup or in the dressing room?

Look Out for

  • With the Ball: Afy Fletcher. Her last 6 T20I figures read: 2/31, 0/15, 1/36, 2/29, 4/23, 2/25. She is giving WI wickets at regular intervals.
  • With the Bat: The Entire Top Order, Matthews, Dottin, Campbelle, Stefanie Taylor. What a brilliant four.

Squad: Hayley Matthews (C), Shemaine Campbelle, Chinelle Henry, Chedean Nation, Deandra Dottin, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Stafanie Taylor, Zaida James, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Qiana Joseph, Karishma Ramharack, Nerissa Crafton

Expected Starting XI: 1. Matthews (C), 2. Dottin, 3. Campbelle (WK), 4. Taylor, 5. Nation, 6. Henry, 7. Alleyne, 8. Fletcher, 9. Fraser, 10. Ramharack, 10. Connell, 11. Ramharack.

Embed from Getty Images

Injury News and Broken Dreams

Injury News

  • Ash Gardner & Georgia Wareham are both cleared after they suffered concussions due to a clash in warm up drills.
  • Darcie Brown has recovered from foot stress fracture.

Broken Dreams

  • Final T20 World Cup for the likes of Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, Nida Dar, Heather Knight, Stefanie Taylor, and Harmanpreet Kaur?
  • Stalwart Jess Jonassen was left out of the squad even though Healy mentioned there was a small window of hope of her comeback if things change a few days before the World Cup.
  • Kate Cross and Tammy Beaumont, England legends and mainstays in the ODI squad, have been left out of the T20 World Cup squad. Shabnim Ismail had already retired, marking a few years of transition to come in women’s cricket.

BCD’s 2024 T20 World Cup Predictions

Finally, let’s get to the predictions!

Category Team/Player
Winner England
Runners Up South Africa
Broken Dreams India, Australia, Another Heartbreak for South Africa?
Most Runs Laura Wolvaardt
Most Wickets Sophie (Molineux & Ecclestone)
Player of the Tournament Sophie Ecclestone
Surprising Factor Scotland Wins At Least One Match, Sri Lanka Get to #3 in the Group

****

Thank you for reading! Comment below, what are your predictions for this T20 World Cup?

If you like reading about Women’s Cricket, you may also like:

  • 76 Greatest Women Cricketers of All Time
  • How Many Times Has Australia Won the Cricket World Cup? Complete List of Australia’s ICC Trophies—Under-19, World Cups, Gold Medals, Men, Women, T20I, ODI, WTC!
  • What Can Ellyse Perry Not Do?
  • Top 5 Greatest Cricket Teams Ever To Be Assembled
  • What is the Salary of women cricketers in the WBBL in Australia?
  • What is the Salary of women cricketers in The Hundred (Women’s) in England?
  • WPL23 Auction Takeaways: Women’s Premier League List of Players Sold, Squads, Surprises, Exclusions, and More!

© Copyright @Nitesh Mathur and Broken Cricket Dreams, LLC 2023. Originally published on 09/29/2024. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Broken Cricket Dreams with appropriate and specific direction to the original content (i.e. linked to the exact post/article).

0 Shares:
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like