Women’s T20WC Qualifier Group A Preview: Sri Lanka, Scotland and Thailand in three-way tussle for top-two group spots

10 teams, two spots – the final lap in the race for a berth in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Bangladesh later this year begins on 25 April with the Global Qualifier in the UAE.

Divided into two groups, the top two teams from each group will earn passage to the semi-finals. From there, the finalists will clinch coveted berths in the mega-event later this year in Bangladesh.

All eyes will be on Group A where the highest-ranked (7th) T20I team in the Qualifiers, Sri Lanka, will battle it out with Scotland, Thailand, USA and Uganda for semi-final spots.

ALSO READ: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier – All You Need to Know

Fixtures

Thursday, 25 April

- Sri Lanka vs Thailand at Tolerance Oval

- Scotland vs Uganda at Tolerance Oval

Saturday, 27 April

- Uganda vs USA at Zayed Cricket Stadium

- Scotland vs Sri Lanka at Zayed Cricket Stadium

Monday, 29 April

- USA vs Scotland at Tolerance Oval

- Uganda vs Thailand at Tolerance Oval

Wednesday, 1 May

- Sri Lanka vs Uganda at Zayed Cricket Stadium

- Thailand vs USA at Zayed Cricket Stadium

Friday, 3 May

- Thailand vs Scotland at Tolerance Oval

- USA vs Sri Lanka at Zayed Cricket Stadium

Squads

Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Vishmi Gunaratne, Nilakshi de Silva, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoka Ranaweera, Achini Kulasuriya, Hansima Karunaratne, Kawya Kavindi, Inoshi Fernando, Sugandika Kumari, Sashini Gimhani

Scotland: Kathryn Bryce (c), Chloe Abel, Sarah Bryce, Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Katherine Fraser, Saskia Horley, Lorna Jack, Ailsa Lister, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Hannah Rainey, Nayma Sheikh, Rachel Slater, Ellen Watson

Thailand: Naruemol Chaiwai (c), Thipatcha Putthawong (vc), Nannapat Khoncharoenkai, Suwanan Khiaoto, Chanida Sutthiruang, Nattaya Boochatham, Natthakan Chantham, Rosenanee Kanoh, Onnicha Kamchomphu, Suleeporn Laomi, Phannita Maya, Sunida Chaturongrattana, Aphisara Suwanchonrathi, Nannaphat Chaihan, Chayanisa Phengpaen

Uganda: Janet Mbabazi (c), Rita Musamali (vc), Consy Aweko, Evelyn Anyipo, Kevin Awino, Stephanie Nampiina, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Sarah Akiteng, Sarah Walaza, Phionah Khulume, Lorna Anyait, Malisa Ariokot, Proscovia Alako, Gloria Obukor, Esther Iloku

USA: Sindhu Sriharsha (c), Anika Kolan (vc), Aditiba Chudasama, Disha Dhingra, Gargi Bhogle, Geetika Kodali, Isani Vaghela, Jessica Willathgamuwa, Jivana Aras, Pooja Ganesh, Pooja Shah, Ritu Singh, Saanvi Immadi, Sai Tanmayi Eyyunni, Suhani Thadani

Player to watch out for:

Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)

Captain Chamari Athapaththu has not just been a brilliant all-rounder for Sri Lanka but also proved to be an inspirational leader lately.

After a first-ever T20I series win over England in England, an ODI series win against New Zealand at home and most recently, a T20I series win over South Africa, Chamari would be keen to add another feather to her cap with the Global Qualifiers.

Kathryn Bryce (Scotland)

Kathryn Bryce will have to be at the top of her game in all three aspects – batting, bowling and captaincy – for Scotland to have a chance at a top-two finish.

Bryce led by example in the Europe Qualifier with 133 runs and 5 wickets in five matches where she led her team to a top-two finish to book a berth in the Global Qualifier. Now faced with a challenging Group A, Scotland will rely on their captain to once again lead from the front if they aim to progress beyond the group stages.

Natthakan Chantham (Thailand)

Natthakan Chantham, the leading run-scorer for Thailand in Women’s T20Is, has emerged as a pivotal player in the national team setup despite her relatively short time in the spotlight.

With an impressive track record of 1645 runs across 78 matches, Thailand will look to Chantham to provide a sturdy foundation in the upcoming Global Qualifier.

Her significant contribution of 141 runs in 6 matches during the Asia Qualifier played a crucial role in Thailand's qualification. As they gear up for the challenge ahead, Thailand will heavily depend on Chantham's batting prowess to set the tone for their campaign.

Sindhu Sriharsha (USA)

As long as USA have been playing T20I cricket since their debut in May 2019, Sindhu Sriharsha has led the team in all 28 matches.

The experienced 35-year-old bats in the top-order and has amassed 467 runs in 23 innings, including three fifties.

Sriharsha's leadership was instrumental in guiding the USA through the Americas Qualifier with a flawless 6 out of 6 record. Now, the Global Qualifier looms ahead, presenting Sriharsha with a new test against formidable opponents from around the globe.

Immaculate Nakisuuyi (Uganda)

Uganda’s all-round sensation Immaculate Nakisuuyi has been one of the team’s most consistent performers.

Since her debut in 2018, the 28-year-old has demonstrated her prowess in 59 T20I matches, accumulating an impressive tally of 741 runs and claiming 30 wickets, helping her cement her status as one of Uganda's most dependable performers on the international stage.

What to expect from Group A teams?

Sri Lanka will start the tournament as firm favourites. With recent triumphs over South Africa and England away from home, as well as a Silver Medal finish in the Asian Games, the Chamari Athapaththu-led side is riding high on momentum and are poised to take the Global Qualifier by storm.

Scotland, currently ranked 14th in the ICC Women’s T20I Rankings, have amped up their preparations to get in the groove for the Global Qualifier. They have been in the UAE for nearly two weeks, competing in 50-over matches against USA and PNG.

Despite never having made an appearance in the Women’s T20 World Cup, Scotland are well-poised to secure a spot in the mega-event for the very first time.

As the 12th-ranked T20I team globally, Thailand poses a potential threat to Scotland's aspirations in Group A. The Nattaya Boochatham-led team, eager to compete at the highest level of Women’s T20I cricket after missing out in the 2023 edition, will be resolute in their pursuit of success.

Uganda have emerged as strong contenders recently in Africa, trailing closely behind Zimbabwe in regional qualifications. They have put together a formidable team poised to contend for qualification with standout all-round performances from players like Janet Mbabazi and Rita Musamali.

USA boasts a notably youthful squad, which could prove advantageous in navigating matches without the burden of fear or pressure. Under the guidance of the seasoned Sindhu Sriharsha, the team could disrupt a few expectations at the Global Qualifiers.