West Indies’ best XI for the Women’s T20I series against South Africa

After an exciting ODI series, West Indies Women will take on South Africa Women in a three-match T20I series starting June 20. The hosts are hoping to bounce back and change their fortunes this time.

West Indies looking to turn things around 

The Windies head into the three-match T20I series against South Africa with plenty to reflect upon. After a disappointing white-ball leg in England and a close 2-1 ODI series loss at home to the Proteas. Led by Hayley Mathews, the Caribbean side is under pressure to turn things around. With confidence at a low and key players underperforming, West Indies will need a unified effort to challenge a South African team riding high on momentum.

West Indies Women’s Probable Best XI for the T20I Series vs South Africa:

1. Hayley Matthews (Captain)

• Role: Opening Batter & Off-spin All-rounder
• Strength: Explosive starts, all-round impact
• Expectations: Matthews remains the backbone of this side. Her ability to fire in the powerplay with the bat and chip wickets makes her irreplaceable.

2. Zaida James

• Role: Batting All-rounder
• Strength: Aggressive intent and 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: Batting All-rounder
• Strength: Experience and game awareness
• Expectations: Her calm approach in pressure situations and her part-time off-spin will be vital.

4. Shemaine Campbelle

• Role: Wicketkeeper-Batter
• Strength: Adaptable middle-order anchor
• Expectations: Campbelle’s ability to guide the innings in the middle overs is crucial. Her sharp glovework behind the stumps will also be vital.

5. Mandy Mangru

• Role: Middle-order Batter
• Strength: Brings a lot of talent
• Expectations: A young player known for here versatility. Her job will be to provide acceleration at the back end of the innings.

6. Aaliyah Alleyne

• Role: Seam Bowling All-rounder
• Strength: Medium-pace control and lower-order hitting
• Expectations: Alleyne brings balance with her dual skill set. She’ll be tasked with both stalling opposition momentum and adding quick runs when needed.

Also READ: Tazmin Brits’ dazzling century guides South Africa to a series-clinching win over West Indies in the 3rd Women’s ODI

7. Karishma Ramharack

• Role: Off-spinner
• Strength: Variation and control
• Expectations: On tough Caribbean pitches, Ramharack’s role in the middle overs will be key. She’ll need to tie down one end and apply pressure with her wicket taking spells.

8. Qiana Joseph

• Role: Left-arm Seamer
• Strength: Bounce and angles
• Expectations: Joseph has shown promise with the new ball. Her left-arm variety gives the attack a different dimension, especially in the early overs.

9. Realeanna Grimmond

• Role: Right-arm medium
• Strength: Pace 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. Chinelle Henry

• Role: All-rounder
• Strength: Athleticism and versatility
• Expectations: A high-energy player, Henry can swing games with either bat or ball. Her fielding is also a standout asset in the T20 format.

11. Afy Fletcher

• Role: Leg-spinner
• Strength: Wicket-taking ability
• Expectations: Fletcher’s attacking leg-spin is likely to be used as a strike option. She can break partnerships and stall South Africa’s progress in the middle overs.

Also READ: South Africa’s best XI for the Women’s T20I series against West Indies

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.