West Indies Women have been boosted by the return of veteran all-rounder Stafanie Taylor for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in Pakistan.
Taylor, who sustained a leg injury during the Women’s T20 World Cup last October, has been named in a 15-member squad that will compete in the tournament from April 9 to 19.
She has played 160 ODIs and scored seven centuries and 41 half-centuries at an average of 43.11.
Taylor has also taken 155 wickets with her off-spin at an economy rate of 3.56.
Exciting all-rounders Shabika Gajnabi and Jannillea Glasgow are also in the squad, which will be led by Hayley Matthews.
The team is scheduled to depart for a pre-tournament camp in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) before moving on to Pakistan to compete for one of two final qualification spots for the ICC Women Cricket World Cup 2025, which will be hosted in India from October to November this year.
The West Indies Women begin their campaign on April 9 against Scotland at the LCCA Stadium, followed by matches against Ireland, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Thailand.
Matthews said the team had set its goals on winning the tournament and qualifying for the World Cup.
“As we head into the World Cup Qualifiers, we know we’ve prepared well for this moment. The team environment feels like a family, and we’ve all been enjoying ourselves out in the park.”
“We trust our skills and each other and are staying focused on playing our best cricket without any distractions,” Matthews said.
“Winning this is a big goal for us as a team, and we’re confident in our chances to perform at a high level.”
Head coach Shane Deitz also said the team would perform well in Pakistan.
SQUAD: West Indies Women: Hayley Matthews (captain), Shemaine Campbelle (vice-captain), Aaliyah Alleyne. Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shabira Gajnabi, Jannillea Glasgow, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams
West Indies Match Schedule:
April 9: West Indies vs Scotland LCCA Stadium
April 11: Ireland vs West Indies – Gaddafi Stadium
April 14: Pakistan vs West Indies – Gaddafi Stadium
April 17: Bangladesh vs West Indies – LCCA Stadium
April 19: West Indies vs Thailand – Gaddafi Stadium
