West Indies bank on star performers for Women's T20 World Cup 2024

The West Indies women's cricket team, placed in Group B for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, is gearing up for the challenge with high hopes. Group B also includes England, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Scotland. Team captain Hayley Matthews knows what it will take for her team to succeed in the tournament.

Speaking on ESPNCricinfo’s Powerplay podcast, Matthews acknowledged their underdog status but expressed optimism. "We're going in as underdogs again and there's no doubt about that," she said. "We obviously do want to get out of that group stage and it would be great to win.”

However, Matthews isn't just focused on making it to the semi-finals. She believes that standout individual performances can make a big difference in T20 cricket. "A T20 game can be won through a performance and it only takes one really big one on a day," she explained. Matthews highlighted their remarkable chase of 212 runs against Australia as proof of their potential.

Matthews has been a consistent performer for the West Indies. In the match against Australia, she scored an impressive 132 runs, contributing to the highest chase in Women’s T20Is. Since January 2023, she has scored 1013 runs at an average of 53.31 and taken 27 wickets at an average of 17.51. Her outstanding performances earned her the ICC Women's T20I Cricketer of the Year award for 2023.

The West Indies captain also shared how she learned to lead by example from former skipper Stafanie Taylor. "Stafanie played a massive role in every big performance, scoring runs, taking wickets. I’ve tried to emulate that and set an example on the field and off the field, creating a culture where we all have one goal,” Matthews said.

In a significant boost for the team, all-rounder Deandra Dottin has returned from international retirement. Matthews is eager to discuss plans with Dottin. "With Deandra, one thing I can say for sure is she will give 100 percent every single time she steps onto the field,” Matthews stated.

The West Indies women’s team has previously won the T20 World Cup in 2016 and reached the semi-finals in 2018. They are now aiming to make a strong impact in the 2024 tournament.