Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Team-Wise one player to watch out for in tournament

The ninth edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup will commence on October 3 with Bangladesh taking on Scotland in Sharjah. The tournament was initially scheduled to take place in Bangladesh but due to political turmoil, the International Cricket Council (ICC) shifted it to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

Meanwhile, two groups of five countries each have been created for the mega tournament. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals. A total of 20 matches will be played in the league stage, followed by the first semi-final on October 17 in Dubai and the second one on October 20 in Sharjah. The final will be played on October 20 in Dubai. 

India will begin their campaign on October 4 against New Zealand while the defending champions Australia will play Sri Lanka in their first match on October 5. Both these four teams are the favourites to win the tournament along with England and South Africa. Sri Lanka recently won the Asia Cup and after which, they will be confident of their success while given Australia’s track record, they always start as favourites.

Here are ten players to watch out for from each team in the upcoming mega tournament: 

10. Sarah Bryce, Scotland

Scotland batter Sarah Bryce recently scored a half-century against Pakistan in one of the warm-up games. That should give her the confidence to replicate the same against other big teams in the upcoming T20 World Cup. She has represented the national team in 54 T20I matches and scored 1207 runs at a strike rate of 108.44. 

The keeper-batter has never featured in a T20 World Cup and so, it would be a new experience for her. She’s expected to play aggressively, like she is known for, and will be looking forward to making a name for herself.

9. Nigar Sultana, Bangladesh 

Bangladesh’s captain Nigar Sultana will be key for them in the tournament. She has represented the national team in 99 T20I matches and scored 1944 runs at a strike rate of 90.16. When it comes to T20 World Cups, she has featured in seven games and scored 143 runs. 

Sultana scored 48 runs in two warm-up games and needs to take more responsibility. Ahead of the Asia Cup earlier in the year, Bangladesh were confident of their chances but they were disappointing on the field and couldn’t qualify for the finals. Seniors need to take more responsibility, particularly Sultana, who has the tough job of leading the side.