West Indies seek redemption after ODI WC setback

Two years ago, West Indies came within touching distance of a place in the final, beating England en route to a semifinal appearance in the UAE. Yet the period since has been a reminder of the unpredictability that has long defined them. They failed to qualify for last year's ODI World Cup and were stunned by Sri Lanka in the T20 format earlier this year. After getting blanked by Australia, West Indies put in some decent performances in the tri-series just a few days ago. While a repeat of 2016 looks quite distant at the moment, the West Indies still remain one of the dangerous sides in the competition.

Squad: Hayley Matthews (c), Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Jannillea Glasgow, Jahzara Claxton, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Mandy Mangru, Shawnisha Hector

Best XI: Hayley Matthews (c), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Deandra Dottin, Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Jannillea Glasgow, Jahzara Claxton, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack

Players to keep an eye on

Hayley Matthews: Few players carry as much responsibility for their side. Matthews is West Indies' leading batter, strike bowler and captain. She is coming into this tournament on the back of some good form.

Deandra Dottin: Back from retirement a couple of years ago, Dottin played a significant role in WI's impressive run in the 2024 edition. While her role in the batting lineup has been tinkered with lately, Dottin's experience will be handy.

What's in the news: "Failing to qualify for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup last year hit us hard. Everyone who was there certainly felt it, and we don't want to go through a feeling like that again," Matthews wrote in her ICC column just a few days ago. West Indies are still carrying the disappointment of missing out on participating in the 50-over World Cup for the first time in 25 years. Motivation in that camp is expected to be sky high.

Where they finished in 2024: Semifinalists

How have they performed since then: West Indies have produced mixed results in this cycle. Their highs have remained impressive, but consistency has proved elusive, particularly against the top-ranked sides. India, England and Australia have defeated them in this period but WI did secure an impressive win over South Africa.

The big game: Their opening game of the tournament against New Zealand. It's the rematch of the 2024 semifinal, where New Zealand edged them out by just eight runs. With hosts England favoured to qualify, this NZ-WI clash could significantly influence which team becomes the second semifinalist from this group.

A record in sight: Veteran Stafanie Taylor hasn't bowled much recently but she is closing in on 100 T20I wickets. Currently on 98, she will become only the third West Indies woman to get to that landmark. Currently sixth in the all-time leading runscorers in the format, she has the chance to move up by a couple of places.

Realistic expectation: A place in the semifinals is well within reach again if their senior players alongside the likes of Chinelle Henry and Jannillea Glasgow fire. Once you enter the final four, anything is possible!