West Indies Announce Squad for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026

Cricket West Indies has revealed their squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, with Hayley Matthews at the helm. The team aims to reclaim the title they last won in 2016. Their campaign kicks off against New Zealand on June 13, followed by matches against Scotland, Sri Lanka, and England. With a mix of experienced players and promising all-rounders, the squad is strategically prepared for the challenges of English conditions. Head Coach Shane Deitz emphasizes the importance of strong powerplay batting and adaptability in their game plan. The team's preparation includes a camp in Wales and a tri-nation series in Ireland to ensure they are ready for the tournament. Read on for more details about the squad and their journey ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 29, 2026, 02:02 IST

West Indies Set for Women's T20 World Cup 2026

New Delhi [India], May 28: Cricket West Indies (CWI) has unveiled their team for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

All-rounder Hayley Matthews will captain the West Indies as they aim for their first world title since their victory in 2016, which remains their sole triumph in the tournament's history.

The West Indies women's squad will kick off their World Cup journey against New Zealand on June 13 at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. Following that, they will face Scotland on June 18 at Headingley in Leeds and Sri Lanka on June 21 at the Bristol County Ground.

On June 24, they will take on hosts England in a highly anticipated match at Lord’s in London, wrapping up the group stage against Ireland on June 27 back at the Bristol County Ground, as stated in a release from CWI.

Matthews will be supported by seasoned players Deandra Dottin and Stafanie Taylor, who bring extensive all-round experience to strengthen the team across all formats.

Matthews and Qiana Joseph are expected to lead the batting order, while Dottin, Taylor, Chinelle Henry, and Jahzara Claxton will provide depth in the middle order. Shemaine Campbelle is set to take on the wicketkeeping duties.

The squad features a strong spin contingent with Ashmini Munisar, Afy Fletcher, Mandy Mangru, Karishma Ramharack, Matthews, and Zaida James, all capable of contributing with the ball.

Additionally, the pace attack will be bolstered by Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Jannillea Glasgow, Jahzara Claxton, Shawnisha Hector, and Deandra Dottin.

A notable strength of the Maroon Warriors is their array of all-rounders, including Matthews, Henry, Dottin, Taylor, James, and Claxton.

Head Coach Shane Deitz emphasized that the squad selection reflects a strategic approach tailored to the challenges of international cricket in England.

“In these conditions, effective powerplay batting and consistent scoring during the middle overs are crucial for success. Our analysis indicates that surpassing the 45-run mark in the powerplay significantly enhances our chances of controlling matches. Conversely, we must limit boundaries during the powerplay and throughout the innings,” he remarked.

“We have chosen players who can adapt at the top of the order, handle both pace and spin, and maintain aggressive intent even when wickets fall. Additionally, we ensured depth in batting to sustain our attacking approach late into the innings. Our bowlers must also be versatile, able to switch between aggressive and defensive strategies under pressure,” he added.

Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe noted that the team's preparation program was specifically designed to acclimatize the players to the distinct challenges posed by English conditions while fostering consistency and momentum ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

“We have been intentional in structuring the team’s preparation for this tournament. The camp in Wales aimed to immerse players in conditions similar to those they will encounter during the World Cup, allowing them to refine their technical skills and tactical understanding. Building team cohesion, confidence, and consistency over time was equally important,” Bascombe explained.

“The tri-nation series in Ireland is another vital part of this preparation, providing the squad with essential competitive match experience against strong international teams right before the tournament. Every aspect of our preparation has been carefully planned to ensure the players arrive at the World Cup fully adapted, clear on their roles, and with positive momentum as a team,” he concluded.

Squad: Hayley Matthews (c), Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Jannillea Glasgow, Jahzara Claxton, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Mandy Mangru, Shawnisha Hector.