From Bangladesh to the UAE: How the 2024 Edition Took Shape
The ninth edition of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 was originally slated for Bangladesh, but logistical concerns forced a last‑minute shift to the United Arab Emirates. Organisers chose Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Dubai International Cricket Stadium for their world‑class facilities, ensuring a smooth transition for teams and fans alike. The move also meant a boost in attendance, with cricket‑loving expatriates from South Asia flocking to the venues, creating a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere.
Qualification for the tournament followed the usual ICC pathway: automatic spots for the top eight teams from the 2022 edition, plus two places earned through a hard‑fought qualifier in Abu Dhabi (April‑May 2024). Emerging nations such as Scotland, the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka and the United States battled for those coveted slots, adding depth to the field and giving lesser‑known players a chance on the world stage.
Key Moments, Records and the Road to Glory
The tournament kicked off on 3 October with Bangladesh breaking a long‑standing drought by beating Scotland by 16 runs. Their 119/7 posted a modest total, yet the bowlers held firm, limiting the Scots to 103/7. It was a watershed moment for Bangladeshi women’s cricket, sparking celebrations back home and signalling the growing competitiveness of the side.
Group‑stage action was a roller‑coaster of high‑scoring chases and decisive bowl‑outs. Highlights included:
- Pakistan’s 31‑run win over Sri Lanka (116‑85/9), showcasing their top‑order resilience.
- South Africa’s emphatic 10‑wicket sweep of West Indies, powered by half‑centuries from Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits.
- New Zealand’s crushing 58‑run victory against India, posting 160/4 before dismissing India for 102.
- Australia’s effortless chase of Sri Lanka’s 93/7, underscoring their depth in the batting line‑up.
Individual brilliance shone through as well. Harmanpreet Kaur’s explosive 78 against Sri Lanka earned her Player of the Match, while Marizanne Kapp’s all‑round display helped South Africa post 166/5 against Scotland. In a surprise upset, West Indies edged Bangladesh by a single run (104/2 vs 103/8) thanks to Karishma Ramharack’s decisive spell.
As the group stage wrapped, the points table reflected the fine margins that defined the competition. India recorded the highest team total of the tournament—172/3 against Sri Lanka—setting a benchmark for run‑chases. Meanwhile, several teams celebrated their first ever World Cup wins, a testament to the expanding talent pool in women’s cricket.
The semi‑finals delivered true drama. On 17 October, South Africa turned heads by dismantling Australia’s 134/5 chase, cruising to 135/2 in just 17.2 overs. Anneke Bosch’s three‑wicket haul earned her the Player of the Match award and sent South Africa into the final for the first time since 2022. A day later in Sharjah, New Zealand faced a resilient West Indies side. After posting 128/9, the Kiwis held their nerve, limiting the Caribbean chase to 120/8 and clinching an eight‑run win. Eden Carson’s disciplined bowling secured the Player of the Match accolade.
The grand finale at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 20 October witnessed New Zealand claim their maiden World Cup title. Opening with a solid partnership, the Kiwis amassed 158/5, a target that proved too steep for South Africa, who could only muster 126/9. Melie Kerr’s explosive 62 and clutch bowling spell earned her the Player of the Match award, cementing her place in New Zealand’s cricket folklore.
Beyond the scores, the tournament highlighted several broader trends: the rise of aggressive batting strategies, the importance of death‑over bowling, and the increasing parity among traditional powerhouses and emerging nations. The successful execution of the event in the UAE also underscored the region’s growing role as a hub for international cricket.
Looking ahead, the momentum generated by the 2024 edition is set to boost grassroots initiatives, inspire a new generation of female cricketers, and attract greater commercial investment. With the next Women's T20 World Cup already on the horizon, fans can expect even tighter contests, more record‑breaking performances, and further expansion of the sport’s global footprint.