Dottin named in Windies T20 World Cup Squad

Barbados all-rounder and Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) Women’s Captain Deandra Dottin has been named in a 15-woman West Indies squad for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Twenty/20 World Cup, which will now be played in the United Arab Emirates from Oct. 3-20.

Dottin, 33, currently holds the record for the fastest century in women’s T20 internationals. She recently confirmed her desire to return to the Windies setup after having announced her retirement on her international career in 2022.

However, in an interview, Dottin said she missed playing for the regional team and expressed her goal to win the upcoming T20 World Cup title.

“Cricket is something I love, enjoy and play with a strong passion and determination,” Dottin said.

“There’s a World Cup coming up around the corner as well and I think I can be a big asset back on the team. I can help the West Indies reach far into the World Cup and hopefully win it as well.”

The West Indies squad was announced during a Cricket West Indies (CWI) press conference in Antigua recently. The team will be led by the impressive, 26-year-old Barbadian, Hayley Matthews, who is the leading women’s T20 all-rounder in the world. She also obtained the award for the ICC’s T20 Women’s Player of the Year for 2023.

Matthews will have experienced wicket-keeper/batter Shemaine Campbelle as her deputy in the squad.

West Indies’ Stafanie Taylor in action against Australia during the Women’s Cricket World Cup at The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton, Britain, June 26, 2017. Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra/File

The West Indies team also includes former skipper Stafanie Taylor, experienced seamers Aaliyah Alleyne and Shamilia Connell, as well as spinners Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack. Left-arm spinner Zaida James alongside off-spinner Ashmini Munisar with St. Lucia’s Nerissa Crafton, being the only uncapped player in the squad

The Windies Women are in Group B of the T20 World Cup alongside Bangladesh, England, Scotland and South Africa.

The Windies will begin their campaign against South Africa on Oct. 4 in Dubai, before facing Scotland, Bangladesh and England in their remaining matches.

West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup Full Squad:

Hayley Matthews (captain), Shemaine Campbelle (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Nerissa Crafton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Muni- sar, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor.