WEST INDIES

Tournaments: 6 Result in 2018: Semi-final Best finish: Winners (2016) ICC ranking: 5th

Form line: On paper, the West Indian women have a rich history of going deep into the big tournaments, but the harsh reality is that things have fallen off the rails in recent times for the squad. A recent T20 whitewash at the hands of India, including a dismal innings of 9-59 from their allotted overs in a recent game in Providence, highlight the lack of gears available to the team.

What past tournaments tell us: In a ray of hope for the squad, the Windies have failed to qualify for the semi-finals only once since 2009, when they finished fifth. Having hosted the last edition of the tournament and going down to the

Aussies by 71 runs, captain Stafanie Taylor will no doubt be eager to make amends from the home defeat.

Player to watch: The aforementioned skipper Taylor will have to perform if the team is to have any hope of being competitive in their group. With an average of 37 with the bat and a touch over 17 with the ball, her pinch-hitting will be a key in the squad’s ability to accelerate, while her off-breaks offer the best chance of containing the big hitters of their South African and English group counterparts.

Expectations: While the Windies boast some talented individuals in their squad, it’ll take something special for them to pull together as a team to be truly competitive against their group. While matches against Pakistan and Thailand promise to be intriguing, recent form suggests that a semi-final berth might not be awaiting them again this time around.