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The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, held in the UAE from October 3 to October 20, 2024, promises an exciting contest as the world’s best women cricketers come together. With teams adjusting to the unique conditions of the Middle East, the tournament is poised to deliver surprises, excitement, and opportunities for Sixer traders to make smart investments based on player form and match conditions.
The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will follow a familiar format:
Harmanpreet Kaur will lead India, but the team’s preparation has been less than ideal. Having not played any international matches for nearly two months, India's run-up to the tournament feels unusually cold. Their last outing was in the T20 Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka in late July, where struggles against spin and fielding errors cost them the title.
India’s 15-member squad has been selected after months of experimentation and rotations, with key focus on workload management. Despite the setbacks, openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana have been strong individually and as a pair, while Jemimah Rodrigues has found form after previous struggles. With Richa Ghosh as an explosive finisher, India's batting order looks solid on paper.
However, India's spin-heavy bowling lineup will be crucial in the UAE conditions. The likes of Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav provide versatility, but the fitness of key players such as Shreyanka Patil and Yastika Bhatia remains a concern. Pooja Vastrakar and Arundhati Reddy have added more pace and variation to India’s fast-bowling attack, and Renuka Singh will be looking to rediscover her magic with the new ball, aiming to replicate her 2022 Commonwealth Games form.
Australia, the reigning champions, remain the biggest obstacle for all teams. The team has won the T20 World Cup a record six times out of the eight editions, and they are once again the favorites. Despite the absence of Meg Lanning, the ruthless tactician who led Australia to four of their titles, new skipper Alyssa Healy will look to continue Australia’s winning legacy.
In 2024, Australia has won 10 out of 12 T20Is, although their performances haven’t been without challenges. New Zealand, led by Amelia Kerr, managed to bundle out Australia for just 142 in a recent match, highlighting Australia’s occasional vulnerability. However, Australia’s strong core remains intact with Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, and rising stars like Phoebe Litchfield stepping up. All-rounder Grace Harris and fast bowlers Darcie Brown and Tayla Vlaeminck will add depth to the squad.
With Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates once again leading the way, New Zealand has opted for experience rather than new faces. Familiar names like the Kerr sisters and Lea Tahuhu will aim to carry the team. However, New Zealand’s biggest challenge will be consistency, especially against top-tier teams like Australia. While their bowling unit remains strong, capitalizing with the bat has been a recurring issue for the White Ferns.
Bangladesh has struggled with batting inconsistencies but continues to rely on its bowling strength. With veterans like Jahanara Alam and young talents such as Marufa Akter leading the attack, Bangladesh’s spin pool will be key on the turning tracks of the UAE. However, their top order, led by Nigar Sultana Joty, will need to step up if they hope to make an impact in the tournament. Bangladesh’s familiarity with the UAE conditions, having played the qualifiers here, gives them an advantage over less-prepared teams like Scotland, who will open their campaign against Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka, led by Chamari Athapaththu, has seen a transformative year. The team, a mix of youth and experience, has been active throughout 2024, playing 19 T20Is with only four losses. The squad’s balance is highlighted by seasoned players like 38-year-old Inoka Ranaweera leading the spin attack, while younger players such as Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshita Samarawickrama look to impress. Sri Lanka’s recent Asia Cup triumph will serve as a confidence booster as they head into the World Cup.
West Indies, led by star all-rounder Hayley Matthews, will look to rekindle their past success from 2016. The team has struggled in recent years but will bank on Matthews’ form and the return of former captain Deandra Dottin from retirement. However, West Indies will need contributions from other players, as relying solely on Matthews has proven to be a flawed strategy in the past.
England, the inaugural champions of the Women’s T20 World Cup, enter the tournament with confidence after a strong pre-season camp in Abu Dhabi. Led by Heather Knight, the team’s balanced approach, bolstered by a strong spin unit featuring Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, and Sarah Glenn, will make them a formidable contender. England’s strategy has been forward-thinking, even involving simulations for unexpected situations, such as Nat Sciver-Brunt captaining in place of Knight during a series against New Zealand.
South Africa is another team on the rise, entering the tournament after a series victory against Pakistan. Marizanne Kapp and Laura Wolvaardt remain critical to their campaign, but the spotlight will be on South Africa’s spinners, who must step up to complement the team’s pace attack. Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus have also been crucial in South Africa’s recent successes, and they will aim to build on their strong form to challenge the tournament favorites.
This year’s Women’s T20 World Cup will be notable not only for the on-field action but also for the fact that prize money has reached parity with the men’s competition for the first time. The winning team will take home USD 2.34 million, a significant step forward in the push for gender equality in the sport.
As the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 unfolds, the tournament promises a mix of seasoned champions, emerging teams, and breakthrough players, all competing under the challenging conditions of the UAE. From India’s spin-heavy approach to Australia’s six-time title dominance, and Bangladesh’s reliance on spin, traders on Sixer can expect high volatility, creating opportunities for smart trading decisions. Keep an eye on how teams adapt to the UAE pitches, as the heat, humidity, and turning tracks will play pivotal roles in deciding the winners.
