World’s Best v World Boss: Ecclestone excited to resume Dottin rivalry

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Ecclestone is the leading bowler in the world and has made a good start to the tournament with England, proving to be one of the most economical bowlers despite often featuring in the death overs.

But that role at the back-end of the innings could see her come up against the biggest hitter in the tournament so far - West Indies’ Deandra Dottin.

WATCH: Dottin hits a flurry of boundaries | WT20WC 2024

Dottin, who as the nickname ‘World Boss’, has slammed 60 runs down the order for West Indies so far in the group, scoring at a strike rate of 181.81 – comfortably the highest of any batter to score a minimum of double figures in the tournament so far.

And Ecclestone is relishing the opportunity to come up against an opponent that she knows extremely well, having played alongside the West Indian on numerous occasions in franchise cricket.

“I love going against the world's best, and me and Deandra have great battles when we play against each other.

“We are people that want to get one up on each other because we play against each other so often and play in the same team with each other. So, I think it's very exciting.

“But I'm not going to concentrate on them too much and go about the way I'm doing stuff.”

Ecclestone ever-so briefly lost her place at the top of the ICC Women’s T20 Bowling Rankings at the start of the tournament, but soon regained top spot.

And the spinner says she was pleased with how she bowled in the crucial win over South Africa, particularly after being disappointed with her form in the opening game against Bangladesh.

“I didn't feel like my best in the first game. I think I was just the first game, I’d not played for a while.

“So, it was great to come back in South Africa and bowl. It's coming out really nicely towards the end of the tournament, which is really nice.”

England opted to use Ecclestone as part of a four-pronged spin attack in their opening two wins, but reduced that to three in the win over Scotland, with Lauren Bell brought in as a pace option.

And Ecclestone says it is terrific for England to have so many options.

“I think it's very exciting, obviously, to have that much depth in our squad.

“I think whoever we put on that field is going to do a great job and Belly came in and did an amazing job.

“I think it's great to have that, just like the all-round performance from everyone and for the attack to have that much strength to it.”

England will qualify for the semi-finals with a win over West Indies, but could yet miss out on the knockout stages if they are beaten, depending on the final NRR.

All matches at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 will be held in the two host cities of Dubai and Sharjah.

Fans can purchase tickets online or directly at the stadiums, for more information on where to buy click here.