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West Indies women are set to host South Africa women in a three-match ODI series starting from June 11. The series is crucial for both the sides who are eager to clinch the series and regain winning momentum after recent underwhelming performances in their previous outings.
West Indies will look to bounce back at home
The hosts, West Indies, are going through a rough patch with back-to-back dismal performances. Under the leadership of Hayley Matthews, the side has been plagued by inconsistency, especially in their batting. Apart from the skipper, few players have stepped up to deliver. Their recent tour of England was a clear example, where they failed to win a single match. As they return home, the Windies will be eager to bounce back, rebuild momentum, and restore confidence ahead of future assignments.
West Indies’ top-choice playing XI for the WODI series against South Africa:
1. Hayley Matthews (Captain)
- Role: Batting All-rounder
- Strength: Explosive top-order batting and intelligent off-spin
- Expectations: Matthews is the engine of the side. She’s expected to lead from the front with impactful starts and timely breakthroughs. Her leadership will be key in pressure moments.
2. Zaida James
- Role: Batting All-rounder
- Strength: Aggressive intent and off-spin
- Expectations: A rising talent, James is expected to accelerate in the middle overs and chip in with useful spells. Her flair can turn games quickly.
3. Stafanie Taylor
- Role: Middle-order All-rounder
- Strength: Tactical intelligence and experience
- Expectations: Taylor brings balance with her ability to steady innings and pick up crucial wickets. Her composure in tight situations can be game-defining.
4. Mandy Mangru
- Role: Top-order Batter
- Strength: Solid technique and temperament
- Expectations: Mangru is tasked with building strong foundations at the top. Her shot selection and ability to rotate strike are key to partnerships.
5. Shemaine Campbelle (Wicketkeeper)
- Role: Middle-order Batter & Keeper
- Strength: Calm under pressure and reliable glove work
- Expectations: Campbelle anchors the middle overs with composure and experience. Behind the stumps, her communication and quick hands are vital, especially with spin in play.
6. Aaliyah Alleyne
- Role: Seam Bowling All-rounder
- Strength: Swing bowling and lower-order power-hitting
- Expectations: Alleyne offers energy and versatility. She’s expected to provide breakthroughs with the new ball and finish with impactful cameos.
7. Jahzara Claxton
- Role: All-rounder
- Strength: Youthful energy and adaptability
- Expectations: As the youngest member of the side, Claxton will aim to gain valuable exposure. She’s expected to contribute across departments and learn from the senior pros.
8. Qiana Joseph
- Role: Left-arm Medium Pacer
- Strength: Variation and left-arm angle
- Expectations: Joseph complements the pace attack with her angles and change of pace. She’ll be tasked with stemming runs in the middle overs.
9. Realeanna Grimmond
- Role: Off-spinner
- Strength: Flight and control
- Expectations: Grimmond is expected to apply pressure through economical spells. Her ability to bowl tight lines makes her vital in middle-phase control.
10. Jannillea Glasgow
- Role: Fast Bowler
- Strength: Raw pace and bounce
- Expectations: Glasgow brings hostility to the attack. She’s expected to strike early and intimidate batters with steep bounce and sharp pace.
11. Shabika Gajnabi
- Role: Fast Bowler
- Strength: Accurate line and length
- Expectations: The 24-year-old rising star is a dynamic fast bowler renowned for her wicket-taking spells. She will be a vital asset in bolstering the home side’s bowling attack.
Also READ: Why India women will face Australia in New Chandigarh instead of Chennai for the WODI series?
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
