Ranking the top 5 favorites for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 ft. India
The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to begin on Thursday, October 3, with Bangladesh Women taking on Scotland Women in the opening match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE. To date, eight editions of this prestigious tournament have taken place, with Australia leading the way by winning the championship six times. England and the West Indies have each claimed the title once. Australia are the defending champions, having won the last three consecutive editions.
In this year's tournament, Australia is placed in Group A, alongside New Zealand, India, Pakistan, and Asian champions Sri Lanka. Group B includes South Africa, England, Scotland, the West Indies, and Bangladesh.
Each team boasts star players capable of turning games single-handedly. Fans can anticipate an exciting few days ahead, with every team vying for the title. On that note, let’s look at the top five favorites for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
#5 South Africa
South Africa Women came close to making history when they lost to Australia in the last edition's final by just 19 runs. This time, Laura Wolvaardt will aim to take the team further and secure the title. South Africa recently triumphed over Pakistan, winning a three-match series 2-1.
The squad features several prominent players, including captain Wolvaardt, who has played 72 T20Is and scored 1,765 runs, including 11 fifties and one century. All-rounder Marizanne Kapp, 34, will be vital to their success; she has appeared in 107 T20Is, scoring 1,532 runs and taking 83 wickets.
Former captain Sune Luus has also been impactful, contributing 1,347 runs and 51 wickets in 120 matches. With a well-balanced lineup, South Africa will be eager to secure their first T20 World Cup title.
#4 England
England Women claimed the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup title in 2009 but have not lifted the trophy since. Recently, they faced Ireland in a two-match series that ended in a 1-1 draw. Earlier this year, England achieved a dominant 5-0 whitewash over New Zealand in a T20I series at home.
Heather Knight, who has accumulated over 2,000 runs in 119 matches, will captain the side. Opening the batting are talented players like Sophia Dunkley and Danielle Wyatt.
England also features top all-rounders, including Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey. Sciver-Brunt has represented the country in 122 games, scoring 2,513 runs and taking 86 wickets; her performance will be crucial if England aims for a successful tournament.
In addition, England boasts the world’s top T20I bowler, Sophie Ecclestone, who has taken 126 wickets in 86 matches. Her ability to excel as conditions become slower throughout the tournament in the UAE will be vital for the team’s success.
#3 West Indies
The 2016 T20 World Cup Champions, West Indies, will be eager to add another trophy to their collection. The Caribbean side features several match-winners, including their captain, Hayley Matthews. She has played 96 matches, scoring 2,339 runs, with 13 fifties and two centuries, while also taking 99 wickets, making her the top-ranked all-rounder in women’s cricket.
West Indies will be boosted by the return of Deandra Dottin, who had announced her retirement in 2022 but has made herself available for this major event. The 33-year-old has played 127 T20Is, accumulating 2,697 runs and taking 62 wickets.
Another key player is Stafanie Taylor, who has scored 3,338 runs in 121 matches and taken 98 wickets. With a strong blend of experience and youth, West Indies will aim to win the championship for the second time.
#2 India
The 2020 finalists, India, are among the top contenders to win the 2024 T20 World Cup. Under Harmanpreet Kaur's captaincy, the team performed exceptionally well in the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup, although they fell short against Sri Lanka in the final. The Women in Blue have shown significant improvement in recent years.
India boast explosive openers in Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, while the middle-order responsibilities will be managed by Jemimah Rodrigues, captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh.
On the bowling front, India features a strong attack with Deepti Sharma, Renuka Thakur, and Shreyanka Patil, all of whom can challenge any batting lineup. With a dynamic batting lineup and a solid bowling attack, India has the potential to compete against any opponent.
Fans are optimistic that the women’s team can lift the trophy, following in the footsteps of the men’s team, who triumphed earlier this year.
#1 Australia
It’s rare to find Australia not favored to win the championship in cricket, whether it’s the men’s or women’s team. The Australian women have claimed victory in the last three editions of the T20 World Cup and have six titles from the eight tournaments held so far.
Alyssa Healy’s squad recently completed a clean sweep against New Zealand in a three-match T20I series, highlighting their dominance.
The team features several star players, including Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, and Annabel Sutherland, all capable of turning games in their favor. As the defending champions, this superstar-laden squad will be focused on delivering their best performance and clinching the title for a record seventh time.