West Indies Women announce squad for T20 clash against Sri Lanka in Grenada

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced an energetic 15-player squad set to compete against Sri Lanka in a triad of Women’s T20 International matches from February 28 to March 3 at the National Cricket Stadium in St George’s, Grenada.

This series promises to deliver intense and thrilling cricket as the Caribbean team sharpens its focus ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom from June 12 to July 5, said a CWI press release.

Leading the squad is captain Hayley Matthews, with the team continuing to build momentum in the fast-paced T20 format.

A notable inclusion is 17-year-old Barbadian talent Eboni Brathwaite, who earns her first senior national call-up after impressing during the recent regional T20 Blaze tournament. The young batter showcased her aggressive batting style, maintaining a strike rate of 146 across the competition.

Following the conclusion of the ODI series against Sri Lanka, two players—Zaida James and Mandy Mangru—have been brought into the T20 lineup, replacing Ashmini Munisar and Shunelle Sawh. Additionally, Brathwaite steps in for Realeanna Grimmond.

Head Coach Shane Deitz shared insights into the team’s preparations for the upcoming series, especially given the looming World Cup:

“With this being a World Cup year, this T20 series provides valuable preparation with that tournament firmly in mind. We had a strong campaign two years ago and have continued to play quality T20 cricket since then, so the group is excited about what lies ahead,” he remarked.

The squad also benefits from several players returning in excellent form after competing in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), adding further strength to their lineup.

“Three of our players have returned from the WPL in good form, and we’re expecting meaningful contributions from them”, said Deitz. “Some of our younger players will also have opportunities to showcase their skills in the T20 format, including Eboni Brathwaite from Barbados on her first tour with the senior team. She demonstrated plenty of power hitting in regional and Under-19 cricket, and we’re eager to see her bring that same intent and freedom to this series.”

Deitz also highlighted the promising development of Jahzara Claxton, a rising all-rounder who made her debut last year.

“Last year’s debutant, Jahzara Claxton, also possesses a skill set well suited to T20 cricket, and this will be another important opportunity for her to make an impact. Overall, this series is an important step in our World Cup build-up, and we’re ready to play an exciting brand of cricket for the fans here in Grenada,”

According to the release, the matches are expected to serve as a valuable assessment of the team’s current form, with Sri Lanka ranked seventh in ICC Women’s T20 rankings and the West Indies just ahead in sixth position. As such, the series is anticipated to be fiercely contested.

Local supporters across Grenada are encouraged to attend in large numbers, as all matches will be free of charge. Fans are urged to fill the National Cricket Stadium and create a lively atmosphere to support the West Indies Women on their journey toward the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

For those outside Grenada, each game will be streamed live on Windies Cricket’s YouTube channel and Disney+.

West Indies Women’s T20 Squad:

– Hayley Matthews (captain)
– Chinelle Henry (vice-captain)
– Aaliyah Alleyne
– Eboni Brathwaite
– Shemaine Campbelle
– Jahzara Claxton
– Deandra Dottin
– Afy Fletcher
– Jannillea Glasgow
– Shawnisha Hector
– Zaida James
– Qiana Joseph
– Mandy Mangru
– Karishma Ramharack
– Stafanie Taylor

Team Management:

– Head Coach: Shane Deitz
– Team Manager: Sheena Gooding
– Assistant Coaches: Ryan Austin, Damien Wright, Shane Dowrich
– Physiotherapist: Ashley Stephens
– Strength & Conditioning Coach: Hector Martinez Charles
– Performance Coach: Dr. Nadine Sammy
– Media & Content Officer: Nicholas Maitland

Series Schedule (all matches at Grenada National Cricket Stadium):

– 1st T20I – Saturday, February 28, 1 PM AST
– 2nd T20I – Sunday, March 1, 1 PM AST
– 3rd T20I – Tuesday, March 3, 1 PM AST