Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the selection of two Saint Lucian players, Qiana Joseph and Zadia James, for the West Indies team competing in the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in England and Wales from June 5 to July 5.
The 15-member squad, revealed this week, aims to build on the Windies women’s championship success from 2016 and is prepared to make a strong showing this time around. With a focus on power play intent, batting depth, and adaptability to English conditions, the team is keen to capitalize on its strategic planning.
The selection process involved extensive evaluations by the selection panel and team management, prioritizing tactical and technical considerations necessary for consistent, impactful performances. The squad has been crafted to maintain aggressive scoring rates, effectively handle both seam and spin bowling, and execute well under pressure amidst the varying conditions expected in England and Wales.
Head Coach Shane Deitz emphasized that the squad reflects a strategy tailored specifically to the challenges of international cricket in England. “Strong power play batting and sustained scoring during the middle overs will be critical for winning matches. Our analysis has shown that surpassing 45 runs in the power play significantly increases our chances of controlling games,” he stated.
Deitz also indicated the need for bowlers who can quickly switch between attacking and defensive strategies.
Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe highlighted that the team’s preparation program was intentionally designed to acclimatize the players to the distinctive demands of English conditions. “The camp in Wales aimed to replicate the conditions they will face during the World Cup, allowing the team to refine both technical execution and tactical awareness,” he noted.
Bascombe also emphasized the importance of building team cohesion, confidence, and consistency over a prolonged period.
As part of their preparation, the Windies women’s team will compete in an Evara Women’s International tri-series against Ireland and Pakistan from May 28 to June 3 in Ireland.
Following this, they will return to England for the World Cup, where they will play warm-up matches against India on June 8 and Australia on June 10, leading into their first group stage match against New Zealand on June 13.
In their opening match of the tri-series, the Windies secured a commanding victory over Ireland by 8 wickets, with summarized scores as follows:
– Ireland: 103 all out (17 overs)
– Windies:104/2 (11.3 overs)
The team is set to continue their campaign against Pakistan as the series progresses, with all matches streamed live on ICC TV beginning at 11 AM (AST) / 10 AM (JA).
West Indies Women’s Squad for Tri-Nation Series & ICC World Cup
– Hayley Matthews (Captain)
– Chinelle Henry (Vice-Captain)
– Aaliyah Alleyne
– Shemaine Campbelle
– Jahzara Claxton
– Deandra Dottin
– Afy Fletcher
– Jannillea Glasgow
– Shawnisha Hector
– Zadia James
– Qiana Joseph
– Mandy Mangru
– Ashmini Munisar
– Karishma Ramharack
– Stafanie Taylor
The Windies are poised and ready to showcase their talent on the international stage once again.