Describing the squad as one selected “with emphasis on powerplay intent, batting depth and adaptability to English conditions,” Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced the 15-member unit to compete at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales from June 5 to July 5.
In a release on Thursday, CWI noted the squad was selected, “following extensive evaluation by the selection panel and team management unit, with careful consideration given to the tactical and technical requirements for impactful and consistent performances in English conditions.”
Head coach Shane Deitz said the squad reflects a deliberate strategy designed specifically for the demands of international cricket in England.
“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 powerplay, 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 powerplay and throughout the innings.
“We’ve therefore, selected a group with flexibility at the top of the order, players who can handle both pace and spin effectively, and importantly, batters capable of maintaining intent regardless of wickets lost, along with ensuring depth in the batting so we can continue attacking deep into the innings,” Deitz said.
“We also wanted bowlers who can attack when necessary but also quickly shift into defensive modes and execute under pressure at every stage of the innings.”
CWI’s Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe explained that the team’s preparation was intentionally designed to acclimatize the squad to the unique demands of English conditions, while building the consistency and momentum required heading into the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
“We have been very deliberate in how we structured the team’s preparation for this tournament. The camp in Wales was designed to immerse the players in conditions similar to what they will experience throughout the World Cup, allowing them to fine-tune both their technical execution and tactical awareness in that environment.
“Equally important was creating opportunities for the group to build cohesion, confidence and consistency together over an extended period,” said Bascombe.
“The tri-nation series in Ireland is another critical component of that process, as it gives the squad valuable competitive match exposure against quality international opposition immediately before the tournament. Every aspect of the preparation has been intentional in ensuring the players arrive at the World Cup fully adapted to the conditions, clear in their roles and building positive momentum as a team.”
The West Indies Women battle Ireland and Pakistan in the Evara Women’s International tri-series from May 28 – June 3 in Ireland, before returning to England for the World Cup where they will play two warm-up matches against India on June 8 and Australia on June 10 before their first group stage encounter against New Zealand on June 13.
WEST INDIES WOMEN’S WORLD CUP SQUAD: Hayley Matthews (captain), Chinelle Henry (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Shawnisha Hector, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack and Stafanie Taylor.
(KH/CWI)
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