Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK ;  June 11: The 10th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is set to begin on June 12, with the tournament scheduled to run until July 5. The final of the prestigious event will be played at Lord’s Cricket Ground, marking a major culmination to one of the most anticipated tournaments in women’s cricket.

The previous edition held in the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand claimed their maiden T20 World Cup title. England and West Indies have each won the championship once, in 2009 and 2016 respectively, while Australia remains the most successful team in the history of the tournament with six titles to their name.

The tournament opener, the International Cricket Council has announced the full squads of all 12 participating teams, divided into two groups.

Group A features Australia, India, Netherlands, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, along with South Africa.

Australia will be led by Sophie Molineux, with a strong squad featuring players such as Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, and Georgia Wareham, among others. India, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, includes key players like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Renuka Singh, and Radha Yadav, forming a balanced and experienced lineup.

Netherlands, led by Babette de Leede, will rely on players such as Caroline de Lange and Frederique Overdijk, while Pakistan, captained by Fatima Sana, includes Muneeba Ali, Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, Nashra Sandhu, and Diana Baig among others. Bangladesh, under the leadership of Nigar Sultana Joty, will depend on players like Nahida Akter, Ritu Moni, Fariha Trisna, and Marufa Akter to make an impact. South Africa, led by Laura Wolvaardt, boasts a strong squad featuring Marizanne Kapp, Shabnim Ismail, Chloe Tryon, and Ayabonga Khaka.

Group B consists of England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Sri Lanka, and West Indies.

England, captained by Nat Sciver-Brunt, includes prominent names such as Heather Knight, Sophie Ecclestone, Amy Jones, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge. Ireland, led by Gaby Lewis, features players like Orla Prendergast, Leah Paul, and Laura Delany. New Zealand, captained by Sophie Devine, includes Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, and Lea Tahuhu as key performers.

Scotland, led by Kathryn Bryce, will rely on players such as Sarah Bryce and Megan McColl, while Sri Lanka, captained by Chamari Athapaththu, features Harshitha Samarawickrama and Inoka Ranaweera among others. West Indies, led by Hayley Matthews, includes Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, and Chinelle Henry as major stars of the squad.

With all teams finalizing their preparations, excitement is building ahead of the global tournament, which is expected to showcase high-intensity matches and emerging talents from across the world of women’s cricket. The competition will also play a key role in shaping the future landscape of women’s international cricket.