Here are five key strategies teams are bringing to ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 just around the corner, teams have started revealing their squads, and some interesting strategies are beginning to take shape. 

Defending champions Australia, along with former winners England and the West Indies, as well as key teams from Asia like India and Pakistan, have all named their squads. Here's a look at what we can expect from these teams based on their selections.

Australia's focus on express pace:
Australia is gearing up for the UAE conditions with a focus on express pace. Their squad includes fast bowlers Darcie Brown and Tayla Vlaeminck, who might team up for the first time in the T20 format. Although UAE pitches generally favor spinners, Australia's captain Alyssa Healy believes that their pace attack could be a game-changer. “Having real pace in your side is a real advantage,” Healy remarked, signaling that Australia might surprise their opponents with speed on slow pitches.

Pakistan’s familiar faces but new leadership:
Pakistan made a bold move by changing their captain just before the World Cup, handing the reins to Fatima Sana while allowing Nida Dar to focus solely on her game. Despite the leadership change, Pakistan’s squad is almost identical to the one that played in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, showing confidence in their existing lineup. This strategy seems aimed at getting the best out of their experienced players while giving Sana a chance to grow as a leader.

India sticks to its core:
India has chosen to rely on the core group of players who have delivered strong performances over the past year. Despite recent injuries to key players like Yastika Bhatia and Shreyanka Patil, India has opted to keep them in the squad, showing faith in their abilities. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur appears confident that this stable lineup, which has successfully faced tough teams like Australia, England, and South Africa, can bring home the trophy.

England banks on recent performers:
England’s strategy for the T20 World Cup is to build on recent domestic successes. Their squad includes players who excelled in The Hundred competition, such as spinner Linsey Smith and pacer Lauren Bell. By bringing in fresh faces who are in form, England hopes to break their ICC title drought. Led by the experienced Heather Knight, England is aiming for their first major ICC Women’s title since 2017.

West Indies rely on experience:
The West Indies have welcomed back Deandra Dottin, who reversed her retirement, adding a wealth of experience to their squad. Alongside Dottin, former captain Stafanie Taylor and current skipper Hayley Matthews will be key figures as the team seeks to reclaim the title they last won in 2016. With a strong leadership group, the West Indies are looking to end their World Cup semi-final drought.

As the tournament approaches, these strategies give a glimpse into how each team plans to tackle the challenges ahead, making for an exciting and unpredictable Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.