Brathwaite gets maiden call-up as Windies Women gear up for Sri Lanka

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Seventeen-year-old Barbadian sensation Eboni Brathwaite is the headline inclusion in Cricket West Indies’ (CWI) 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 International Series against Sri Lanka. The aggressive top-order batter forced her way into the senior side following an eye-catching performance in the regional T20 Blaze, where she boasted a formidable strike rate of 146.

​The three-match series, hosted at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada from February 28 to March 3, serves as a critical launchpad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in the United Kingdom from June 12 to July 5.

The squad will be led by captain Hayley Matthews as the team continues to build momentum in the shortest format.

Also making their way into the T20 squad following the conclusion of the ODI series against the same opponent, are Zaida James and Mandy Mangru, replacing Ashmini Munisar and Shunelle Sawh, with Brathwaite stepping in for Realeanna Grimmond.

Head coach, Shane Deitz, spoke on the squad’s preparation for the series, especially in the context of the push towards the global tournament:

“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.”

Several players return in strong form from the Women’s Premier League (WPL), further strengthening the squad’s firepower.

“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 continued development of fast-rising all-rounder Jahzara Claxton, who impressed on 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”, the head coach added.

This series is expected to provide a good gauge of the regional side’s current positioning, with Sri Lanka being ranked seventh in ICC Women’s T20 cricket and West Indies just ahead in sixth, the series is expected to be fiercely competitive.

(Courtesy CWI Media)

West Indies Women 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

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Team Management Unit

Head coach: Shane Deitz

Team manager: Sheena Gooding

Assistant coach: Ryan Austin

Assistant coach: Damien Wright

Assistant coach: 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 will be played at the Grenada National Cricket Stadium)

1st T20I – Saturday (February 28), 1 pm

2nd T20I – Sunday (March 1), 1 pm

3rd T20I – Tuesday (March 3), 1 pm