With the road to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 firmly underway, West Indies Women have announced a strong and youthful 15-member squad for their upcoming three-match T20 International (T20I) series against Sri Lanka Women. The series will be played from February 28 to March 3 at the National Cricket Stadium in St George’s, Grenada.
The home side, led by captain Hayley Matthews, will use the contest as a key preparatory phase ahead of the global showpiece scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom from June 12 to July 5. With both teams closely placed in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings, West Indies sixth and Sri Lanka seventh- the series is expected to be a tightly fought affair.
One of the headline selections is 17-year-old Barbadian batter Eboni Brathwaite, who earned her maiden senior team call-up following an impressive outing at the regional T20 Blaze tournament. Known for her aggressive approach at the top of the order, Brathwaite caught the selectors’ attention with a strike rate of 146 across the competition.
Changes have also been made following the recently concluded ODI series between the two sides. Zaida James and Mandy Mangru return to the T20 setup, replacing Ashmini Munisar and Shunelle Sawh, while Brathwaite comes in for Realeanna Grimmond.
Head coach Shane Deitz emphasized the importance of the series in the broader context of World Cup preparations. “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.”
The squad has also been bolstered by players returning in good touch from the Women’s Premier League (WPL). “Three of our players have returned from the WPL in good form, and we’re expecting meaningful contributions from them,” said Deitz.
The coach highlighted the opportunity for emerging players to make their mark, singling out Brathwaite’s potential impact. “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.”
Another player to watch is fast-rising all-rounder Jahzara Claxton, who impressed during her debut season 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,” the Head Coach added.
All matches in the series will be played at the National Cricket Stadium, with free entry for fans. Supporters are encouraged to turn out in large numbers to create a vibrant atmosphere as the West Indies Women continue to fine-tune their preparations for the World Cup.
West Indies’ T20I Squad for Sri Lanka Series 2026:
Hayley Matthews (C), Chinelle Henry (VC), 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
Series Schedule:
1st T20I – Saturday, February 28 – 10:30 PM IST
2nd T20I – Sunday, March 1 – 10:30 PM IST
3rd T20I – Tuesday, March 3 – 10:30 PM IST
*All matches will be played at National Cricket Stadium, Grenada
