West Indies announce 15-member squad for Women's T20 World Cup 2026, 28-year-old to lead Caribbean pack

Cricket West Indies (CWI) officially announced their squad on Thursday for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. Star all-rounder Hayley Matthews has been named captain to lead the Caribbean side's quest for global glory. The West Indies will be aiming to recapture the magic of their historic 2016 triumph, which remains their sole title victory in the history of the tournament.

West Indies too reveal Women's T20 World Cup squad

The team's group stage itinerary is locked in, kicking off against New Zealand on June 13 at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. According to the CWI release, the West Indies will then move to Headingley in Leeds to face Scotland on June 18, followed by a clash with Sri Lanka at the Bristol County Ground on June 21. Their schedule features a marquee showdown against hosts England at Lord's in London on June 24, before they wrap up their group stage campaign against Ireland on June 27 back in Bristol.

To challenge for the trophy, Matthews will rely heavily on the seasoned expertise of veterans Deandra Dottin and Stafanie Taylor. The duo brings an immense amount of all-round experience to the squad, providing a massive boost across all three departments of the game.

In terms of tactical roles, Matthews and Qiana Joseph are projected to anchor the top order. The middle-order responsibilities will likely be shared among Dottin, Taylor, Chinelle Henry, and Jahzara Claxton, while Shemaine Campbelle takes charge behind the stumps with the gloves. Furthermore, the West Indies have selected a highly spin-heavy bowling attack for the tournament, featuring Ashmini Munisar, Afy Fletcher, Mandy Mangru, Karishma Ramharack, Zaida James, and skipper Matthews herself all capable of exploiting turning tracks.

Complementing their spin options, the West Indies have assembled a robust pace attack to ensure versatility in English conditions. Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Jannillea Glasgow, Jahzara Claxton, Shawnisha Hector, and the experienced Deandra Dottin will lead the seam bowling department, providing the captain with plenty of tactical flexibility.

Perhaps the greatest asset for the Maroon Warriors heading into the tournament is the sheer depth of their multi-skilled players. The squad is packed with elite all-rounders, including Hayley Matthews, Henry, Dottin, Stafanie Taylor, Zaida James, and Claxton. This abundance of versatile talent gives the team exceptional balance, allowing them to bat deep while maintaining a wide variety of bowling choices.

West Indies' Women's T20 World Cup 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.