In 2023, women’s cricket witnessed a major milestone with the successful launch of the long-anticipated Women’s Premier League (WPL). The inaugural edition proved to be a success.
Additionally, mirroring the men’s team, the Australian Women’s team maintained their global supremacy by clinching the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023. They secured victory by 19 runs against South Africa in the final at Newlands, Cape Town.
In 2023, the Australia Women’s Cricket team participated in 13 ODIs, securing victory in 10, facing defeat in two, and one match concluded without a result. In T20Is, they emerged victorious in 11 out of 14 matches. Regarding Test matches, they won one and experienced one loss during the year.
India Women had a successful year in Test cricket, winning both matches. However, their performance in ODIs was disappointing, with three losses and one win. In T20Is, they did better, winning 11 and losing six matches. They secured the gold medal at the Asian Games as well.
Here are the five major women’s series and tournaments in the upcoming year:
#5 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
The most significant event in women’s international cricket in the upcoming year is the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, marking the tournament’s ninth edition. The scheduled venue for this competition is Bangladesh, set to take place in September-October.
In addition to hosts Bangladesh and defending champions Australia, the qualified teams include England, India, South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, and Pakistan for the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Two additional teams will join them through the Global Qualifier event.
#4 India Women vs Australia Women T20I series
Australia Women are presently on an all-format tour in India. India Women made history by securing an eight-wicket victory over the visitors in the one-off Test at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. However, Australia has displayed excellence in the ODI series, winning the initial two matches and securing the series.
India Women seek a consolation win in the third ODI and are focused on improving their performance in the upcoming T20I series against Australia. The three T20I matches are set at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on January 5, January 7, and January 9.
In their 31 T20Is against Australia, India Women have won six, lost 23, with one tie and one match ending without a result.
#3 Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024
The 2024 Women’s Premier League (WPL) is expected to take place from February 22 to March 17, as reported. In light of logistical challenges, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Jay Shah, mentioned that the tournament will be conducted in a single state this time.
The six franchises from WPL 2023 will continue in the 2024 edition. The inaugural competition comprised 22 matches, with Mumbai Indians, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, emerging as the champions by defeating Delhi Capitals (DC) by seven wickets in the final at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
#2 South Africa Women Tour of Australia, 2024
Australia is set to host South Africa Women for a comprehensive tour, including three T20Is, three ODIs, and one Test. The initial two T20Is are scheduled at Manuka Oval in Canberra on January 27 and 28, with the third T20I to be held on January 30 at Bellerive Oval in Hobart.
Following the T20Is, the ODI series will commence. The initial one-day match is scheduled for February 3 in Adelaide, followed by the second and third matches in Sydney on February 7 and February 10, respectively. The Test match between South Africa and Australia will take place at the WACA Ground in Perth from February 15 to 18.
#1 New Zealand Women Tour of England, 2024
In June-July 2024, the New Zealand Women’s team is scheduled to visit England for a series comprising three ODIs and five T20Is. The series kicks off with the first one-day match at Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street on June 26, followed by ODIs in Worcester and Bristol on June 29 and July 3, respectively.
Following their encounter at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on July 6, New Zealand and England are scheduled to face each other in the next four T20I matches on July 9 (Hove), July 11 (Canterbury), July 13 (Kennington Oval), and July 17 (Lord’s).
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.