Jesson + Company Communications
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Ah yes, Cricket: the sport just close enough to Lacrosse and Hockey to pique the interest of the increasingly diverse Canadian sports fan. While Cricket may be played on a pitch instead of a rink, it features the same mix of frenetic action and strong team dynamics that have endeared Canada’s national sports to so many.
You won’t have to look any farther than the International Cricket Council’s Women’s World T20 2018 to see the excitement of professional cricket on full display. Now in its sixth iteration, this year’s T20 will see 10 of the world’s best female teams descend on the Caribbean paradise of Antigua and Barbuda for a bit of spirited competition in the sun. Antigua’s Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground will serve as the venue for both the semi-finals and finals, scheduled to unfold on November 23 and 24.
Though the historically strong Canadian women’s team won’t be making an appearance this year, there are still plenty of teams guaranteed to put on a show. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a Cricket neophyte, here’s who you’ll want to watch:
Australia:
A perennial favourite, the Australian women’s team comes into the T20 at the top of the international rankings. Captain Meg Lanning remains a dominant force in the sport, the first player (male or female) to reach 2,000 runs in T20 competition. With a chip on their shoulder from a disappointing World Cup result last year, you can be sure this club will leave it all on the pitch when the tourney kicks off on November 9.
Sri Lanka:
Perhaps one of the tourney’s ultimate underdogs, the women of Sri Lanka come into the competition hungry for victory. Despite participating in every T20 championship since its inception, the team has yet to progress past the first round. Canada’s sizeable contingent of Sri Lankan fans will undoubtedly make their support known as Captain Chamari Athapaththu tries to steer her club to its first championship.
The Windies:
If you’re the type that likes to root for the home team, the Windies may be your squad. The club draws players from fifteen Caribbean countries and territories and has been a fixture in the semi-finals before finally winning it all in 2016. You can bet Captain Stafanie Taylor will be looking for a repeat performance on her home turf.
It’s worth noting that even if the sport doesn’t interest you, the setting just might. Antigua’s pristine beaches, luxurious villas, and encircling coral reefs make it a scenic sight for sore eyes at the onset of the Canadian winter, and we’d happily forgive you for daydreaming about sailing its crystal waters during a commercial break. Whether you’re looking for some world-class cricket or just some inspiration for your next vacation, the ICC T20 is sure to satisfy and entertain.
Note; For more information on Antigua and the ICC Women’s World T20, please visit https://www.womens-world-t20-
