The ninth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is set to kick off on October 3rd in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a momentous occasion for women’s cricket. While the tournament has only seen three different winners, with Australia dominating with six victories out of eight editions, a select group of seven remarkable cricketers are poised to make their ninth appearance on the global stage.
These players, who have graced the T20 World Cup since its inception in 2009, have witnessed the evolution of the tournament and played a pivotal role in shaping women’s cricket. From India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur to Australia’s star all-rounder Ellyse Perry, these veterans bring a wealth of experience and skill to the tournament.
Ellyse Perry, the Australian all-rounder, holds the record for the most appearances (42) in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup. She is also the third-highest wicket-taker in the tournament’s history, with 40 scalps in 42 matches. Perry’s consistency and all-round brilliance have made her a formidable force in the tournament.
Suzie Bates, the New Zealand batter, has been a consistent performer in the T20 World Cup. With 36 matches under her belt since her debut in 2009, she is the tournament’s highest run-getter and the only player to have amassed over 1,000 runs. Bates, alongside captain Sophie Devine, will lead the White Ferns in their quest for a maiden title.
Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian skipper, has played 35 Women’s T20 World Cup matches since 2009. She is the only Indian to have scored a century in the T20 World Cup and will be determined to lead her side to their first-ever ICC trophy.
Sophie Devine, the New Zealand captain, has participated in 32 T20 World Cup matches. Devine will lead New Zealand’s charge in the UAE before stepping down as T20I captain after the World Cup to focus on her playing role.
Stafanie Taylor, the West Indies all-rounder, led her team to victory in the 2016 edition, beating Australia in the final. Although she will be playing this time as a player, her experience of 31 games at the T20 World Cup will be invaluable to skipper Hayley Matthews.
Chamari Athapaththu, the Sri Lankan captain, is a veteran of 27 T20 World Cup matches. She has been a driving force in Sri Lankan women’s cricket and will be hoping to guide her team to their maiden title. Athapaththu recently led Sri Lanka to their maiden Women’s Asia Cup title, defeating seven-time champions India in the final.
Marizanne Kapp, the South African all-rounder, was South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in their run to the final in 2023. The 34-year-old, who has played 26 matches at the T20 World Cup since 2009, will once again be a key player for the Proteas.
The presence of these nine-time veterans adds a layer of experience and excitement to the ninth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. As these legends take the field, they will inspire a new generation of cricketers and contribute to the continued growth of women’s cricket on the global stage.
