DUBAI: Five cricketers will be vital for their teams’ success in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024, a statement of ICC said on Monday.
Gaby Lewis – Ireland (ICC Batter Ranking: 24)
The talented right-hander, though young at 23, holds a senior position within the Ireland team. Lewis debuted for Ireland at the age of 13 and has since maintained a steady ascent over her nine and a half years in international cricket, amassing over 120 appearances for her nation.
With a century and 11 half-centuries in T20Is for Ireland, Lewis is entrusted with the responsibility of scoring crucial runs for her team in Abu Dhabi, pivotal to Ireland’s quest for qualification to this year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Kelis Ndhlovu – Zimbabwe (ICC All-Rounder Ranking: 17)
In Abu Dhabi, keep an eye out for Zimbabwe’s burgeoning teenage all-rounder, poised to make waves on the grand stage. At just 18, this rising star, known primarily for her skillful left-arm orthodox bowling, showcases equal prowess wielding the bat, particularly in the latter stages of an innings. Noteworthy is her recent feat of securing her second T20I half-century against Ireland, where she swiftly compiled 52 runs in Harare. Additionally, her contribution of a crucial 35 runs in Zimbabwe’s remarkable triumph over PNG underscores her growing impact in the cricketing arena.
Chamari Athapaththu – Sri Lanka (ICC Batter Ranking: equal 7th)
Athapaththu, undoubtedly the most adorned participant in the event, is poised to excel in both scoring runs and taking wickets, given her remarkable track record. As the Sri Lanka captain, she boasts over 200 white-ball matches under her belt, accumulating more than 6000 runs and 70 wickets. Notably, she stands as Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer in both ODI and T20I formats. Her role at the helm of the batting lineup will be crucial, aiming to steer her team to a top-two finish in Abu Dhabi and secure a berth in the forthcoming tournament in Bangladesh later this year.
Kathryn Bryce – Scotland (ICC All-Rounder Ranking: 11)
The Scotland captain may seem reserved on the international cricket stage, yet her statistics speak volumes about her caliber. Bryce stands out as a rare talent, boasting a batting average exceeding 35 and a bowling average nearing 15 in her 40 T20I matches, a feat few all-rounders, male or female, can match. Her knack for swinging the new ball promises trouble for opposing batters, while her partnership with sister Sarah bolsters Scotland’s formidable batting lineup.
Nattaya Boochatham – Thailand (ICC All-Rounder Ranking: 19)
The seasoned Thailand player proves vital with her versatile skills in both batting and bowling, making her a crucial asset for the Asian team in Abu Dhabi.
Anticipate Boochatham’s significant presence across different facets of the game during the event, showcasing her expertise as an experienced off-spinner capable of delivering impactful spells, whether it’s opening the bowling or closing the innings.
At 37 years old, she has consistently delivered her top-notch performances when placed near the top of the batting lineup, and we might witness her trademark pinch-hitting role in that position once again.
