Six Players to Watch at the 2024 Women T20 World Cup. As the excitement for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup builds, cricket enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly looking forward to seeing their favorite stars shine on the biggest stage. The competition will feature 10 teams, each vying for the coveted trophy. Among the many talented players set to compete, six stand out for their potential to be game-changers. These players are not only at the forefront of their respective teams’ campaigns but are also some of the finest talents in the world of women’s cricket.
This article will provide an in-depth look at these six remarkable cricketers, highlighting their skills, achievements, and what makes them key players to watch in this year’s tournament.
1. Beth Mooney – Australia
Australia’s hopes of claiming yet another T20 World Cup title rest heavily on the shoulders of their star opener, Beth Mooney. A seasoned campaigner, Mooney is currently ranked at the top of the ICC Women’s T20 batter rankings, showcasing her consistency and exceptional skills with the bat. As a key figure in the Australian lineup, she is expected to lead from the front with her aggressive yet calculated approach.
Mooney has already left her mark on past tournaments, having been named the Player of the Series in the 2020 T20 World Cup after her stunning unbeaten 78 in the final against India. Australia, the six-time T20 champions, will rely on her again to set the tone at the top of the order. In a recent warm-up match, Mooney blasted 50 from just 30 balls against England, indicating that she is in prime form ahead of the competition.
With two T20I hundreds to her name, the 30-year-old will be looking to add more accolades to her impressive resume. Her calm demeanor, ability to handle pressure, and vast experience make her one of the most dangerous batters in the world, and undoubtedly, a player to watch out for in the tournament.
2. Sophie Ecclestone – England
At just 25 years old, Sophie Ecclestone has already cemented her status as one of the best bowlers in women’s cricket. The left-arm spinner from Cheshire made her international debut eight years ago and has since risen to the top of the ICC T20 and ODI bowler rankings. Ecclestone’s control, accuracy, and ability to outfox even the best batters make her a crucial weapon for England as they aim to challenge for the World Cup title.
Standing nearly six feet tall, Ecclestone brings a unique advantage to the game. Her height allows her to generate extra bounce and pace, making it difficult for batters to time their shots against her. In June 2024, she became the youngest bowler to take 100 ODI wickets, a testament to her exceptional talent and skill.
England captain Heather Knight has often praised Ecclestone’s contributions, noting that her presence on the field gives the team an edge. “The control she gives you as a captain and the attacking threat she provides on both edges is really cool,” Knight said. With the ability to dry up runs and take crucial wickets, Ecclestone will be key to England’s World Cup campaign.
3. Deepti Sharma – India
One of the most talked-about players in recent years, Deepti Sharma is known for her all-round prowess. The 27-year-old is currently ranked second among T20 bowlers worldwide and holds the third position in the list of the world’s best all-rounders. She bats left-handed and bowls right-arm off-spin, making her a vital cog in India’s T20 setup.
Sharma gained widespread attention for her controversial ‘Mankad’ dismissal of England’s Charlie Dean during an ODI two years ago. While some criticized her, most acknowledged her tactical brilliance and versatility on the field. However, her legacy goes beyond that single moment. She is celebrated for her consistent performances with both bat and ball.
India has never won a Women’s T20 World Cup, and Sharma believes that lifting the trophy this year could have a transformative effect on women’s cricket in India. “If we win the World Cup, things will really change from every perspective, and each woman will want to play cricket after that,” she said. Her confidence and ambition make her a player to watch out for, as India looks to make history in the tournament.
4. Sune Luus – South Africa
A key figure in South African cricket, Sune Luus is ready to take on the challenges of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup after leading the Proteas to their first-ever white-ball final just a year ago. Luus, a versatile player who started her career as a leg-spinner, has now transitioned into an off-spin bowler and batter, making her an all-round asset for the team.
At 28, Luus has had her share of ups and downs. Earlier this year, she struggled in a white-ball series against Sri Lanka, managing only 22 runs in the T20Is and 43 in the ODIs. However, she made a stunning comeback in a one-off Test against India, scoring 65 and 109, followed by an unbeaten 53 in a T20I against Pakistan. Her strike rate of 136 in the three-match series against Pakistan further showcased her aggressive intent.
Reflecting on her recent performances, Luus said, “You always want to score and contribute. But I think before the World Cup, just having those performances gave me that confidence to know that you can still hit the ball.” As one of South Africa’s most experienced players, her leadership and ability to perform under pressure will be essential to the team’s success in the UAE.
5. Vishmi Gunaratne – Sri Lanka
At just 19 years old, Vishmi Gunaratne is seen as a future star of Sri Lankan cricket. Having made her senior international debut at the age of 16, Gunaratne’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. While her numbers in T20 Internationals may not be among the highest—she averages 20 with a strike rate of 92 in 43 matches—her potential is undeniable.
Gunaratne already has an ODI century under her belt, which she achieved against Ireland in Belfast just a week before her 19th birthday. She became only the second Sri Lankan woman after Chamari Athapaththu to score a hundred in ODIs, highlighting her potential to be a game-changer in the future.
Gunaratne first burst onto the scene when she scored an astonishing 417 runs off 128 balls in an Under-19 women’s tournament in Sri Lanka two years ago. Now, as she enters the senior ranks, many are eager to see if she can replicate such dominant performances at the highest level. This World Cup could be the stage where she announces herself as a global cricketing force.
6. Hayley Matthews – West Indies
Hayley Matthews first made a name for herself on the world stage as an 18-year-old when she played a pivotal role in West Indies’ victory over Australia in the 2016 T20 World Cup. Her match-winning knock of 66 off 45 balls in the final was enough to halt the Australian juggernaut, and Matthews was named Player of the Match for her efforts.
Since then, Matthews has become the backbone of West Indies’ cricket, serving as the team’s captain and leading both with the bat and ball. In her 96 T20I matches, she has scored at an average of 25 with two centuries, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 112. Her off-spin bowling has also been a crucial asset for the team, having taken 99 wickets in her T20I career.
Now 26, Matthews is fully aware of the challenges ahead. “We’re going in as underdogs again, and there’s no doubt about that,” she said. However, her talent and determination make her a formidable opponent, and under her leadership, West Indies could once again spring a surprise in the tournament.
Conclusion
The 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup promises to be a thrilling spectacle of talent, determination, and sportsmanship. As teams from across the globe gather in the UAE to compete for the ultimate prize in women’s cricket, players like Beth Mooney, Sophie Ecclestone, Deepti Sharma, Sune Luus, Vishmi Gunaratne, and Hayley Matthews will be at the forefront, leading their teams with passion and skill.
