During the second semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, West Indies star Deandra Dottin set up a new record in the tournament history.

Sharjah is hosting the second semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 between West Indies Women and New Zealand Women. The 33-year-old right-arm pacer Deandra Dottin finished with bowling figures of 4-0-22-4 as New Zealand Women were restricted to 128/9 in 20 overs. 

Deandra Dottin recorded her third four+ wicket haul in the Women's T20 WC

It was the third four+ wicket haul for Deandra Dottin in the Women’s T20 World Cup history. With this achievement, Dottin became the first bowler in tournament history to record more than two four+ wicket hauls.

Previously, Dottin recorded her first four-wicket haul in the Women’s T20 World Cup history during the 2014 edition when she recorded the bowling figures of 4-1-12-4 against England Women.   

In the 2018 edition, Dottin claimed her first fifer in the Women’s T20 World Cup career, as her bowling figures were 3.4-1-5-5 against Bangladesh Women.

Former Indian Diana David still holds a special record

Among the bowlers with multiple four+ wicket hauls in the Women’s T20 World Cup history, Indian cricketer Diana David recorded it first. Moreover, she achieved that in a single tournament as she is still the only bowler to claim more than one 4+ wicket haul in the single edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup history. 

During the 2010 edition, David took four wickets against New Zealand Women and Sri Lanka Women. After recording the bowling figures of 4-0-27-4 against the White Ferns, David had the bowling figures of 4-0-12-4 against the Lankans. 

Bowlers with multiple four+ wicket hauls in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 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. 

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. 

Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team showcased remarkable resilience and skill to secure their spot in Bangladesh’s main event of the Women’s T20 World Cup. Despite facing a spirited challenge from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sri Lanka emerged victorious, booking their ticket to the final in a thrilling encounter.

Spirited Battle in the Semi-Final

The semi-final clash promised excitement as Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. What followed was a display of talent and determination from both sides, setting the stage for an enthralling contest.

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Vishmi Gunaratne emerged as the cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s innings, anchoring the batting lineup with finesse. Her composed knock of 45 runs from 44 balls provided stability to the team’s innings, laying the foundation for a competitive total.

Gunaratne’s partnership with Chamari Athapaththu at the top of the order was instrumental, as they notched up a crucial 52-run stand, setting the tone for Sri Lanka’s innings.

UAE’s Valiant Effort Falls Short

In response to Sri Lanka’s challenging total of 149 for 6, UAE showcased commendable resilience, led by the dynamic batting performance of Esha Oza. Oza’s blistering innings of 66 runs from 44 balls injected momentum into UAE’s chase, igniting hopes of an upset.

Despite contributions from Khushi Sharma and Kavisha Egodage, UAE faced a daunting task against Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack.

Athapaththu’s Heroics

As the pressure mounted, Sri Lanka’s captain, Chamari Athapaththu, rose to the occasion, making crucial breakthroughs with the ball. Her timely wickets, including the pivotal dismissal of Oza, tilted the scales in Sri Lanka’s favor, dashing UAE’s hopes of a comeback.

Sri Lanka Clinches Victory

With disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, Sri Lanka restricted UAE’s chase, ultimately clinching victory by defending their total. The team’s collective effort and resilience propelled them to a well-deserved win, securing their spot in the Women’s T20 World Cup and the tournament final.