ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 set to kick off in UAE

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is just around the corner, and excitement is building as 150 of the best cricket players from around the world arrive in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the ninth edition of the tournament. The competition, which has grown in popularity and influence over the years, will see 10 teams play 23 matches to decide the next world champions.

Bangladesh and first-time competitors Scotland will kick off the tournament on 3 October in the opening game. Matches will be held at two iconic venues, Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Dubai International Stadium, both offering different challenges for the teams.

“The two venues can be quite different. They are relatively similar but there are some subtle differences. It will be a case of who assesses the conditions quickest and adapts the best,” England all-rounder Freya Kemp said.

Australia, aiming for their fourth consecutive ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title, are known for their adaptability. Led by new captain Alyssa Healy, the Australian team remains as determined as ever. Their lineup includes both seasoned stars and promising young talent, like Annabel Sutherland and Phoebe Litchfield. “There are no real expectations on our group this time around. But I expect it to be a really tough tournament. All 10 teams have a shot to win it,” Healy said.

One match to watch out for is Australia’s clash with India in Sharjah on 13 October. These two teams last met in the final of the 2020 tournament, and India’s spinners, Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav, will be key players in their attempt to challenge the defending champions. Another exciting Group A game will see Sri Lanka face Pakistan, a rematch of their recent Asia Cup semi-final.

In Group B, South Africa will be looking to build on the momentum from reaching their first-ever World Cup final in 2023. Their captain, Laura Wolvaardt, is eager to push her team even further this time.

“Reaching our first-ever World Cup final in 2023 was a big landmark moment for us. It was a big ‘breaking the barriers and pushing the boundaries’ moment for the team. Now we’d like to go that one step further and lift the trophy,” Wolvaardt said. One of the most anticipated Group B matches will be South Africa’s game against England on 7 October. England, under coach Jon Lewis, will continue their aggressive playing style as they aim for major silverware.

Also in Group B are Bangladesh, who will rely heavily on their spinners, West Indies, and newcomers Scotland. Only the top two teams from each group will move on to the semi-finals, which will take place on 17 and 18 October in Dubai and Sharjah.

The final match, scheduled for 20 October in Dubai, promises to be an unforgettable showdown as the world watches to see which team will be crowned champion. The stage is set, and the countdown to thrilling cricket action has begun! (Foreign Agencies)

Source:Daily News