The 2024 Women's T20 World Cup has ended on a high note, with New Zealand being the triumphant side as they got their hands on its first-ever tournament title. This league has seen the clash of the best ten teams across the women's cricket ecosystem.

But, this edition has seen some shocking, unpleasing performances from those campaigners who have been promising in the long run. After a dismal streak of game display, here's the Flop Playing XI of the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. 

1.Smriti Mandhana (India)

Smriti Mandhana, the flamboyant left-handed opener from India, had a forgettable tournament. After leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad to their first Women's Premier League title, many expected she could apply the same calibre in this intense tournament. But scoring a mere 75 runs in four innings with one half-century to her name, the No.5 batter wasn't up to the mark and was criticized for her timid approach throughout this forgettable T20 World Cup.

2. Chamari Athapathatu (Sri Lanka) 

Chamari Athapathatu was prominent in the recent timelines of the Women's Cricket forum. Leading her side to win the Women's T20 World Cup Qualifiers and the Asia Cup, everyone had higher expectations from her to perform aggressively with her bat and captaincy. She has made 27 runs in just four matches, which didn't help convert her heroic run in this tournament.

3. Harmanpreet Kaur (India) (Captain)

Though Harmanpreet Kaur has been pretty good with the willow and made some crucial runs by scoring 150 runs at an average of 150 in just four games, the Indian captain did display a disappointing stint as a captain. Primarily due to unclear decision-making, lack of communication and mediocre lead-up to the emerging players, which attributed Kaur to be the captain for this Flop Playing XI of the tournament.

4. Heather Knight (England)

Heather Knight was one of the players to check out from the English side, thanks to her associations with the team for quite a long period of time. Being a reliable all-rounder, she couldn't convert it into crucial runs and wickets during the recent tournament. Knight scored just 27 runs in four matches, summing up her poor outing in the competitive league.   

5. Jemimah Rodrigues (India)

Jemimah Rodrigues, another Indian player on the women's World Cup flop list, had a perplexing campaign in which her batting position was never established. She was shifted up and down the order throughout the tournament, scoring only 68 runs in 4 innings.

6. Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)

Marizanne Kapp had a dismal campaign with the bat and the ball as South Africa advanced to the final. Kapp scored just 90 runs in six innings. Prominent for her lethal and hostile pace, Kapp took just a mere five wickets in six games. Kapp's poor performance was a significant factor in South Africa's defeat in the final.

Also Read: Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Best Playing XI of the Tournament

7. Richa Ghosh (India) (Wicketkeeper)

Richa Ghosh was expected to perform admirably for India with the bat and behind the stumps, but she performed horribly. Her faulty record-keeping assured India's poor performance on the pitch. Ghosh only managed 19 runs with the bat in four innings.

8. Fahima Khatun (Bangladesh)

Fahima Khatun from the Bangladesh side was expected to turn the tables with her spinning ability, but it didn't work in her arsenal's way. She was able to have four wickets on her hat in five matches, with a decent spinner's economy of over six.

9. Deepti Sharma (India)

Indian All-Rounder Deepti Sharma also disappointed fans with her performance, scoring only a bleak 49 runs in four games. In the critical encounters, Deepti wasn't up to the mark and didn't prove to be instrumental in such scenarios. She wasn't very appealing with her spinning abilities, as she took just four wickets in four games.

10. Rachel Slater (Scotland)

During the Women's T20 World Cup Qualifiers, Scotland's quickie, Rachel Slater, was meant to be promising, as she was the highest wicket-taker of that league. But, on the game's main stage, she was disappointed with her pace as she scalped just two wickets in four matches.

11. Ayabonga Khaka (South Africa)

Ayabonga Khaka has been one of the most reliable pacers for the runners-up Proteas side in the long-run aspects. But, based on this tournament, she didn't play much of a pivotal role in changing the game for her side with her quick pace. Khaka was able to scalp a mere four wickets in six games, which doesn't act synonymous, keeping her experience in mind.

India failed to bring their best game to the UAE and was eliminated from the Women's T20 World Cup 2024. India was projected to advance from the "Group of Death," which included reigning champions Australia and two-time finalists New Zealand, developing Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. However, Harmanpreet Kaur's team was only able to win the matches that were expected of them, and they were unable to compete with Australia and New Zealand.

Citing several reasons behind such a forgettable run, the Indian Women's side turned out to be a disappointment yet again, especially when they possessed the calibre to end up in the game's final stages. Here are the three probable significant factors behind the Indian women's side group-stage end of the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

Time for a captain swap?

One of the primary reasons behind such a downfall would be Harmanpreet Kaur's mediocre captaincy effort. Kaur has been in charge of the Indian squad since being appointed in 2016. While the unit has been a regular late-season fixture in competitions, including a few final appearances, team management may contemplate a swap ahead of the important ODI World Cup in 2025 happening in India.

From juggling around the No.3 spot in their batting unit to not displaying a robust game calibre of the game by the youngsters, the captain acts as a face behind such responsibilities. Though she would be captaining the team in the upcoming bilateral series against New Zealand, BCCI can make a crucial decision about a captain change, especially when they have young and promising contenders in their arsenal for this spot. 

Lacklustre performance across all the departments.

Another reason for the Indian Women's Team's underperformance was the lack of a standout display from all cricketing departments. Experienced hitters like Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, among others, failed to provide India an advantage with the bat, losing wickets at critical periods of their innings throughout the tournament. Shafali Verma's flamboyant attitude as an opener also lacked effectiveness.

While misfields and lost catches have been regular for the Women in Blue recently, the opposition were automatically granted an advantage, which also cost India the matches. Even the bowler's side wasn't able to unleash their X-factor, as they conceded a lot of runs during the death overs.

Also Read: Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Final, South Africa vs New Zealand - Key players to watch

Complete chaos with no intent and clarity.

As mentioned earlier, the Indian Women's team's performance was marred by a lack of clarity about player roles and tactics. This lack of intent and strategy was the most evident issue with India's campaign. It's about time the team got a reality check. To remedy the gaps in preparation, execution, and strategy, players and coaches must reflect, accept responsibility for their failures, and work harder.

India's Women's T20 World Cup performance raises further issues about the team's administration and leadership. The team's chances of healing from this painful event improve the sooner they admit their mistakes. India must prepare for both white-ball versions, with the impending 2025 Women's World Cup scheduled to happen amongst their home fans.

Although Pakistan Women started the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 strongly with a 31-run win against Sri Lanka Women, they have suffered a big injury scare. During the second innings of the match, the 28-year-old right-arm medium bowler Diana Baig sustained an injury.

After Pakistan Women set a 117-run target at Sharjah, Diana Baig took the new ball. Baig suffered an injury while running to bowl her second ball of the match, which the left-handed Sri Lankan opener and captain Chamari Athapaththu was facing. 

Baig immediately called physio. It was not looking good. She got an injury on her right calf, which was already strapped up heavily. Even after getting treatment, Baig wasn’t comfortable and ultimately left the ground with teary eyes.  

From the commentary box, the former England captain Nasser Hussain also feared a calf injury.

Ultimately, the Pakistan captain Fatima Sana completed that over by delivering five remaining balls in that opening over of the second innings. 

Diana Baig also missed the previous T20 WC due to an injury

During the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, which was played in South Africa in February 2023, Baig was initially in the Pakistan team but was ruled out before the tournament due to a fractured finger.

SEE ALSO: Four months without pay; Pakistan's players await salaries ahead of World Cup

Captain Fatima Sana was the hero in Pakistan's strong victory

Despite struggling at 84/8, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana scored a brave 30-run knock in 20 balls with the help of three fours and one six. Nida Dar was the only other batter in that innings to reach the 20-run mark as Pakistan ultimately scored 116 in 20 overs.

In that innings, Udeshika Prabodhani (3/20), Sugandika Kumari (3/19), and Chamari Athapaththu (3/18) took three wickets each. 

In reply, Sri Lanka scored only 85/9 in 20 overs. Only the opener Vishmi Gunaratne (20) and the no.6 batter Nilakshika Silva (22) reached double-digit scores in that innings. While four Pakistan bowlers took at least two wickets in that 31-run win, skipper Fatima Sana was one of them (2/10). 

So, without a doubt, the Pakistan Women’s captain won the Player of the Match award. 

Pakistan Women started the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a big 31-run win against Sri Lanka Women at Sharjah. 

In that Group A match, Pakistan Women were all out for 116 runs in 20 overs after choosing to bat first. In reply, Sri Lanka Women only managed to score 85/9 in 20 overs. 

Kumari set the perfect start for Sri Lanka

Left-arm spinner Sugandika Kumari took two wickets in her first two overs as Pakistan Women were struggling at 32/3 in the first six overs. Kumari dismissed both the openers Gull Feroza (2) and Muneeba Ali (11). 

Star cricketer Chamari Athapaththu got a wicket in her first over as Pakistan Women lost Sidra Amin (12) in the final over of the powerplay. 

Pakistan Women struggled in the middle overs

Pakistan Women continued losing their wickets in regular intervals as there wasn’t any solid partnership. Omaima Sohail (18) and Nida Dar (23) failed to capitalise on their starts. 

From 11th to 14th overs, Pakistan couldn’t find a boundary but lost three wickets, including Athapaththu’s two successive wickets by dismissing Tuba Hassan (5) and Aliya Riaz (0). 

Captain played a brave knock at the end

While the wickets were falling cheaply at the other end, captain Fatima Sana played a brave knock that helped Pakistan Women set up a challenging total of 116 runs. Before losing her wicket on the first ball of the final over, Sana scored a crucial 30 off 20 balls with the help of three fours and one six. She was the main reason for Pakistan’s 27 runs in the final four overs. 

Among the Sri Lankan bowlers, Udeshika Prabodhani (3/20), Sugandika Kumari (3/19), and Chamari Athapaththu (3/18) all picked up three wickets each. 

• It was the first time in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup history that three players took at least three wickets in the same innings.

Chamari Athapaththu’s early dismissal hurt Sri Lanka Women

As the captain Chamari Athapaththu (6) fell early, Sri Lanka Women had a weak start as they scored 26/2 at the end of the powerplay. While Fatima Sana took the wicket of Athapaththu, Omaima Sohail bowled Harshitha Samarawickrama (7). 

Pakistan bowlers controlled the second innings

Sri Lankan batters’ struggle continued after the powerplay. Only the opener Vishmi Gunaratne (20) and Nilakshika Silva (22) reached double-digit scores in that innings. Sri Lanka managed only three boundaries in the entire innings, all before the ninth over. 

Among the Pakistan bowlers, Sadia Iqbal (3/17) got three wickets, while the captain Fatima Sana (2/10), Nashra Sandhu (2/15), and Omaima Sohail (2/17) took two wickets each.  

• It was the third time in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup history that seven bowlers took at least two wickets in a match. The previous two occasions were West Indies Women vs England Women at Basseterre in 2010 and Australia Women vs India Women at Providence in 2018. 
• Winning by 31 runs was the third largest victory for Pakistan Women in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup history. 

Bangladesh Women clinched their first win in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup since the 2016 edition of this tournament. In the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 opener, they beat the tournament debutant Scotland Women by 16 runs. 

After Bangladesh Women chose to bat first at Sharjah, they scored 119/7 in 20 overs. In reply, Scotland Women scored 103/7 in 20 overs. 

Steady start for Bangladesh

Bangladesh Women scored 35/1 at the end of the powerplay. The opening partnership was for 26 runs between Shathi Rani and Murshida Khatun before Kathryn Bryce dismissed Khatun for 12 runs. Sobhana Mostary and Rani started to build up a good partnership for the second wicket. 

Three fours between 7th and 16th overs; lost three wickets

Although Rani and Mostary settled a good partnership of 42 runs for the second wicket, they weren’t busy for the boundaries. Bangladesh Women managed only three boundaries in the next ten overs after the powerplay. Meanwhile, they lost three wickets, including Rani (29) and Mostary (32). 

Saskia Horley stunned in the final overs

Bangladesh Women scored 28/3 in the final four overs. Scottish off-spinner Saskia Horley started her spell in the 18th over, where she dismissed Shorna Akter (5) and Ritu Moni (5). In the final over of the match, she took the wicket of Nigar Sultana (18). Horley ended her only spell of the match with 2-0-13-3. The final overs were the key for Scotland Women to restrict Bangladesh Women for 119 runs.

Scotland Women 31/2 at powerplay

At the end of the powerplay, Scotland Women scored 31/2. Opener Saskia Horley (8) was dismissed by Fahima Khatun, while Marufa Akter bowled Kathryn Bryce (11) on the final ball of the powerplay. 

Desperate opener vs Bangladesh bowlers

Opener Sarah Bryce was fighting hard, but she hardly got support from the other end. Meanwhile, Bangladesh bowlers were dominating with the time progress as the required run rate was rising faster. 

Scotland's hope dried up just like their boundaries

Scotland batters lost their plots since the powerplay, which only became worse with time. After the 11th over, Scotland had no boundaries till the end of the match as all the Bangladesh bowlers controlled the game strongly. The opener Bryce scored 49 not out off 52 balls with only one boundary, as her attempt wasn't enough for the tournament debutant. 

Bangladesh right-arm medium bowler Ritu Moni won the Player of the Match award for her excellent bowling performance. In her 4-0-15-2 bowling figures, Moni delivered nine dot balls and didn't concede a single boundary in the match. 

The ninth edition of the Women's T20 World Cup is set to begin on the third of October in the UAE. Previously planned in Bangladesh, the geo-political concerns have led the ICC to take a significant step in changing the tournament's venue.

It will witness a wholesome display of ten Women's Cricket teams, a mixture of experienced and underdog contenders for the coveted title. That said, here's a ranking listicle of all the announced squads across all the ten teams for the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. 

1.Australia

Squad: Alyssa Healy (Captain), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham. 

The Women's T20 World Cup's defending champions, Australia, have the best squad for the upcoming tournament. Out of nine Women's T20 World Cup editions, the downunder side has won a colossal six times, indicating their robust calibre across men's and women's cricket. The squad has an optimum mix of new and experienced players who can help scalp their seventh title. Overall, there have been just three changes from their previous team, with Heather Graham, Jess Jonassen and Meg Lanning replaced by Tayla Vlaeminck, Phoebe Litchfield and Sophie Molineux.

2. New Zealand

Squad: Sophie Devine (Captain), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Amelie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu. 

The New Zealand squad will have the likes of impeccable White Ferns, Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates, who are set to appear in their record ninth-consecutive Women's T20 World Cup tournament, making them the only few players participating in a tournament ever since its inception. Considering the UAE's slow and spin-friendly conditions, the New Zealand squad has got its highlights from their spin-bowling and all-rounders department. 

3. India

Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia (subject to fitness), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil (subject to fitness), Sajana Sajeevan. (Reserves: Uma Chetry, Tanuja Kanwer, Saima Thakor, Raghvi Bist, Priya Mishra)

The Indian side is eager to scalp their first-ever triumphant Women's T20 World Cup win. Helmed under the captaincy of Harmanpeet and her deputy, Smriti Mandhana, this squad has been giving them positive results in the long run. The team comprises emerging talents like Shreyanka Patil and many more, thanks to the WPL and the recent bilateral series. 

4. Sri Lanka

Squad: Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Anushka Sanjeewani, Harshitha Madhavi, Nilakshika de Silva, Inoka Ranaweera, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Sachini Nisansala, Vishmi Gunaratne, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana. (Reserve: Kaushini Nuthyangana)

Sri Lanka has got the ticket to the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup, thanks to their stellar unbeaten run and performance in the Qualifiers segment under the captaincy of their experienced leader, Chamari Athapaththu. After a memorable first Women's Asia Cup win, the Lankan side strives to convert their first Women's T20 World Cup. With the likes of Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Madhav and Kavisha Dilhari, who have been phenomenal in the recent Women's Asia Cup and bilateral series, they will play a robust pillar role for Chamari's side.

5. South Africa

Squad: Laura Wolvaardt (Captain), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon. (Reserve: Miané Smit)

South Africa, the runners-up in the previous edition of the Women's T20 World Cup, is all set to unleash its best game in the upcoming clashes. The Proteas side has made four changes compared to their previous squad, adding Eliz-Mari Marx, Tumi Sekhukhune, Mieke De Ridder and uncapped Seshnie Naidu. Overall, Wolvaardt and the selection committee have researched comprehensively based on the venue and contenders to formulate a well-balanced side for the upcoming competition.

Also Read: India women's team's stellar preparation earns VVS Laxman's praise

6. West Indies

Squad: Hayley Matthews (Captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbelle (Vice-Captain, Wicketkeeper), Ashmini Munisar, Afy Fletcher, Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Chedean Nation, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa Crafton.

In the cricket world, West Indies is the team that has produced some swashbuckling and clean hitters across the men's and women's sides. While most sides have seen the inclusion of young and emerging players in their squad, West Indies has taken the other path and followed the experienced campaigner's route, which will be interesting to check out. Hayley Matthews will captain the West Indies' 15-member team for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, which includes Deandra Dottin, who recently reversed her international retirement. Dottin, along with Stafanie Taylor and vice-captain Shemaine Campbelle, is one of the team's most experienced players, having played over 100 T20Is for the West Indies.

7. England

Squad: Heather Knight (Captain), Danni Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, Amy Jones (Wicketkeeper), Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Linsey Smith, Freya Kemp, Dani Gibson, Bess Heath.

England has a squad with a balance of everything, but a miss and hit with their experienced players. Following the path of future planning, the English side has an arsenal of emerging players. Amongst a competitive ten sides, it would be a tricky ride in the coming tournament. But, if they succeed with this squad, this could be a promising sign for England's future in T20I cricket.

8. Bangladesh

Squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (Captain), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani, Disha Biswas.

Bangladesh will be led by their prominent and robust batter, Nigar Sultana Joy. They will have a spin-dominant side, aligning with UAE's spin-friendly conditions. Comprising Nahida Akter, Shorna Akter, Rabeya, Sultana Khatun and Fahima Khatun, there are several left and right-hand as well as off-break and leg-break options in their 15-player squad which will do the trick of scalping some pivotal wickets against the intense sides.

9. Pakistan

Squad: Fatima Sana (Captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (Wicketkeeper), Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassa. (Reserve: Najiha Alvi)

Pakistan Women's team would be under the helm of the 22-year-old Fatima Sana, who has taken up the responsibility from the experienced former captain Nida Dar. With a decent squad and a new captain, Pakistan will be up against the robust contenders of India, Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand.

10. Scotland

Squad: Kathryn Bryce (Captain), Sarah Bryce (Vice-Captain), Lorna Jack-Brown, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Abtaha Maqsood, Saskia Horley, Chloe Abel, Priyanaz Chatterji, Megan McColl, Darcey Carter, Ailsa Lister, Hannah Rainey, Rachel Slater, Katherine Fraser, Olivia Bell. 

Scotland will be playing their first-ever Women's T20 World Cup, credit to their impeccable performance amongst the promising teams in the tournament Qualifiers. The team has made a mark with Sri Lanka and sealed a spot in Group B, where they will be clubbing up against their neighbours England, South Africa, West Indies, and Bangladesh. To sum it up, the squad comprises many all-rounders like Kathryn Bryce, Priyanaz Chatterji, Katherine Fraser and Megan McColl, with Abtaha Maqsood leading the spinners department for the UAE-held tournament.

The 2024 Women's T20 World Cup is set to mark a significant technological advancement with the introduction of the Smart Replay System. This system, which was previously used in high-profile tournaments like the IPL 2024 and The Hundred, will be featured in an ICC event for the first time. The tournament is scheduled to begin on October 3 in the UAE, and the Smart Replay System aims to enhance the accuracy of umpiring decisions, further elevating the integrity of the game.

Advanced camera system for enhanced accuracy

The ICC confirmed that each game will be covered by a minimum of 28 cameras, supplemented by a range of analytical and visual technologies. The Decision Review System (DRS) will be available throughout the tournament, with the Hawk-Eye Smart Replay System playing a pivotal role in decision-making. This system provides the TV umpire with instant, synchronized multi-angle footage to make real-time, accurate decisions.

The Smart Replay System is designed to streamline the process by eliminating the TV broadcast director's role as a middleman. Instead, the TV umpire will receive direct input from two Hawk-Eye operators who will be seated in the same room. This allows the umpire to access a wider range of visuals, including split-screen images, to evaluate situations like close stumpings or caught-behind referrals with greater precision.

How the system works for referrals

For stumpings, the TV umpire can request split-screen visuals from the Hawk-Eye operators, allowing them to view multiple angles in a single frame. The front-on camera angle will be especially useful in determining when the bails are removed, while the side-on view helps assess the bat’s position relative to the crease.

In cases of caught-behind decisions, the TV umpire will review footage to detect any gap between the ball and bat before resorting to UltraEdge technology. This step-by-step process ensures that stumpings and other close decisions are handled with greater clarity and accuracy.

The Smart Replay System's key advantage is its use of Hawk-Eye’s high-speed cameras, which record at 300 frames per second, as opposed to the traditional Stump Cam that records at 50 frames per second. This improvement provides more detailed footage, reducing the chances of errors in crucial decisions.

See Also: "It felt like a second birth in Test cricket" - Rohit Sharma shares the role Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri play in his Test career

Continuing the trend from last year’s T20 World Cup, the 2024 edition will also feature an all-female panel of umpires and match officials. This progressive move by the ICC emphasizes inclusivity while maintaining the highest standards of officiating.

The inclusion of the Smart Replay System underscores the ICC's commitment to using cutting-edge technology to maintain fairness and accuracy in the sport. As women’s cricket continues to grow, these innovations will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the game, making the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup a landmark event in cricketing history.

Though the T20 format has seen a recent spike in the batter's performances, it has not always been one-sided. As they say, there are two sides to a coin; the bowlers are one of the prominent faces of the game, which enhances the thrill and intensity amongst cricket fanatics.

And this can be vividly seen in both the worlds of cricket, men & women. With the upcoming 2024 Women's T20 World Cup, here is the list of the top five wicket-takers of the tournament. 

1.Shabnim Ismail (South Africa): 43 Wickets

Shabnim Ismail tops the list for being the highest wicket-taker across all Women's T20 World Cup editions. Ismail is prominent for her quick and hostile pace, which gave nightmares to several women's cricket circle batters.

Before she announced her retirement in 2023, she was the pillar of South Africa's bowling department. In her tournament stint, she has taken 43 wickets in 32 matches at a commendable economy of 5.38, with her best bowling figure of 3/5. 

2. Anya Shrubsole (England): 41 Wickets

Anya Shrubsole is prominent for her pace and inswingers, which helped her scalp some wickets for her hat for the team. Her bowling at speeds of 70mph plus, combined with the ability to swing the ball both ways, proved supremely effective.

Unsurprisingly, she sealed the second spot for the most wickets a bowler took in the Women's T20 World Cup. In just 27 matches, she has scalped 41 wickets at a noteworthy 5.32 economy, with 3/6 being her best bowling figures.

3. Megan Schutt (Australia): 40 Wickets

Megan Schutt is well-known for her numerous strikeouts with inswinging pitches. She also made history in 2019 by becoming the first female bowler to record two international hat-tricks in both the Women's T20I and ODI formats.

Her records demonstrate the value she contributes to the ball, and Schutt will be seeking to make the most of her performance for the Australian team. In her 24-match tournament tenure, she has taken 40 wickets at an economy of six, with 4/18 being her best figures.

Also Read: 2024 Women's T20 World Cup: Top-5 players with the most runs in Women's T20 World Cup

4. Ellyse Perry (Australia): 40 Wickets

Ellyse Perry exemplifies consistency and quality in women's cricket. Perry is a senior all-rounder whose ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her one of Australia's most dependable players. Her expertise in high-pressure circumstances is vital, and her presence brings serenity to the Australian team.

She has had an impact with the ball, including the willow, and is now the third equal best wicket-taker in the Women's T20 World Cup, behind Megan Schutt. In 42 matches, she has 40 wickets at an economy rate of 5.79, with 3/12 being her best figures. 

5. Stefanie Taylor (West Indies): 33 Wickets

Stefanie Taylor is among the finest all-rounders in the women's cricketing business. She can be a proper jack of all trades, from being a game-changer with the bat to deceiving the opponent batters with the ball. Also, she happens to be the only spinner who makes it to the list of top wicket-takers amongst all pacers.

For instance, she has been simultaneously ranked first in both batting and bowling lists. In her ongoing tournament stint of 33 matches, she has scalped 31 wickets at an economy of 5.95, with best figures of 4/12. 

The anticipated 2024 Women's T20 World Cup generates excitement among cricket fans. The short format is all about swashbuckling sixes and disintegrating wickets, which is what spectators love about the game. The T20 format is most commonly associated with hitters in swashbuckling form with the willow. The competition has witnessed spectacular batting performances, with cricketers scoring runs at will and breaking several records.

As a result, it is evident that T20 cricket is commonly regarded as a batter's game; nonetheless, a few individuals thrive and constantly score runs like machines. So, here are the top five run scorers from the ICC Women's T20 World Cup event.  

1.Suzie Bates (New Zealand): 1066 Runs

Suzie Bates, the former captain of the New Zealand women's cricket team, leads all cricketers in the Women's T20 World Cup in terms of runs scored. She is the first player in tournament history to break the 1,000-run mark, scoring 1,066 runs in 36 matches across eight seasons with a strike rate of 114.13 and 32.3 average.

Her record includes eight fifties, with her top score of 94 not out, demonstrating her exceptional batsmanship throughout crucial events. 

2. Meg Lanning (Australia): 992 Runs

Meg Lanning is a common name amongst female cricket fandom, thanks to her robust batting and assuring captaincy. Even in the shortest format of the game, she is one of the few batters to score a century across all the Women's T20 World Cup tournaments.

In 35 T20 World Cup appearances, she scored 992 runs at a strike rate of 112.72 and 39.68 on average. This record contains four fifties and one century, with her highest score of 126.

Also Read: ICC announces all-female match officials for Women's T20 World Cup 2024

3. Alyssa Healy (Australia): 941 Runs

Alyssa Healy, who would lead the Aussies squad for the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup, seals the third spot in the most runs scored across all T20 World Cup tournaments. She is a wholesome wicketkeeper batter who can create an impact ahead and behind the stumps.

Along with her keeping, she is also noted for her aggressive hitting. Healy scored 941 runs in 39 matches at a strike rate of 128.37 and 28.51 average, including seven fifties, the highest of which was 83.

4. Stefanie Taylor (West Indies): 926 Runs

Stefanie Taylor, the former Windies captain and flamboyant hitter, has been a vital member of the current West Indies team. Matthews, known for her aggressive and swashbuckling hitting style, has been a consistent contributor to the sport, whether for the National side or in franchise-based tournaments.

Also, she happens to be the fifth highest wickettaker in the Women's T20 World Cup. In 31 matches, Taylor has totalled 926 runs at a strike rate of 94.68 and 37.04 average, which includes six fifties, with her highest score being 59.

5. Charlotte Edwards (England): 768 Runs

Charlotte Edwards boasts a long 20-year international career, where she created a significant impact with the bat for the English side. Her long-experienced stint in the tournament has helped her team obtain some pivotal runs and seal a spot in the top run-getters of the Women's T20 World Cup.

In 24 matches, she amassed 768 runs with a strike rate of 103.92 and an average of 36.57. This includes five fifties with the highest score of 80. 

Scotland would be one of the teams to check out for in the upcoming tournament, not just because of their inaugural campaign at ICC Women's T20 World Cup, but their sheer dominance in the tournament qualifiers.

Though they were runners-up against a robust Sri Lankan squad, the team indeed got the tag of underdogs and could be a surprise package in the upcoming tournament. With that said, here's the complete team of Scotland, its Probable XI and their top three players to check out. 

Announced Women's Scotland 2024 T20 World Cup Full Squad:

Kathryn Bryce (Captain), Sarah Bryce (Wicketkeeper), Lorna Jack-Brown, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Abtaha Maqsood, Saskia Horley, Chloe Abel, Priyanaz Chatterji, Megan McColl, Darcey Carter, Ailsa Lister (Wicketkeeper), Hannah Rainey, Rachel Slater, Katherine Fraser, Olivia Bell.

Scotland Probable XI: 

• Saskia Horley
• Megan McColl
• Kathryn Bryce (Captain)
• Sarah Bryce
• Alisa Lister (Wicketkeeper)
• Priyanaz Chatterji
• Lorna Jack-Brown
• Katherine Fraser
• Rachel Slater
• Hannah Rainey
• Abtaha Maqsood

Also Read: 2024 Women's T20 World Cup: Pakistan Women's Team squad, Probable XI & Top 3 players to check out

Top 3 players to check out from Scotland in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup:

Kathryn Bryce

Kathryn Bryce is a talented all-rounder and the Scotland side captain, known for her forceful hitting and efficient medium-pace bowling. Her leadership and all-round skills will be critical to Scotland's success in the event. A player who holds the captain's role and possesses all of the all-rounder's talents is one to watch out for.

Also, she was named Player of the Tournament in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup qualifications, when she demonstrated her full potential with both bat and ball. In 55 T20I matches, she scored 1,109 runs at an average of over 25 and took 54 wickets with an outstanding economy rate of 5.99.  

Abtaha Maqsood

Abtaha Maqsood will be one of the players under the cricket fanatics' radar, especially when it comes to spin-friendly conditions offered by the UAE conditions. Maqsood is a spinmeister known for her off-spin bowling and ability to grab vital wickets.

Abtaha's wicket-taking skills, particularly in the middle overs, will be critical to Scotland's success in the competition. In 28 T20I matches, she has 41 wickets at an economy rate of just 5.40.

Katherine Fraser

Katherine Fraser will be the vice-captain of the emerging Scottish women's side in the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup. She is a talented all-rounder recognised for her aggressive batting approach and leg-spin bowling abilities.

Katherine's versatility with both bat and ball makes her a vital player for Scotland. In 43 T20Is, she has 650 runs at an average of over 25 and 53 wickets at an impeccable economy of 5.80.