Maia Bouchier Sets Sights on T20 World Cup Opening Slot
Following a stellar performance in New Zealand last month, Maia Bouchier is setting her sights on securing the opening slot for the T20 World Cup. Bouchier’s impressive scores of 43*, 71, and 91 earned her the Player of the Series award in the five-match T20I series.
Her exceptional performance also led to her winning the prestigious ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for March 2024.
Initially batting at No.3, Bouchier moved to the top of the order for the fourth T20I, where she achieved a career-best score of 91 off 56 balls.
Maia Bouchier Clinches ICC Women’s Player of the Month Award for March 2024
She achieved the highest score by a visiting player against the White Ferns in New Zealand in Women’s T20Is. Congratulations, Maia Bouchier! For more details, visit here and view the image here.
As the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, Bouchier is keen to secure her place at the top of the batting order, following her recent performances.
“I’ve been waiting for that moment,” Bouchier shared with ESPNcricinfo. “It’s been great, I’ve really enjoyed my cricket and putting in some performances for England. Going into this summer, I’ll do as much as I can to seize every opportunity and retain that spot.”
In 2024, England has utilized four openers in T20Is, including Bouchier, Tammy Beaumont, Danni Wyatt, and Sophia Dunkley.
Heather Knight Keeps Selection Doors Open Ahead of T20 World Cup
England’s head coach, Jon Lewis, has assured Bouchier of an extended run in the T20I side. The 25-year-old credits her recent form to the coach’s support.
“It was all about being patient for that moment,” Bouchier explained. “[Lewis] talked about giving me a little run-in, to ensure I wasn’t thinking that everything was riding on one opportunity.”
“I guess I had to go through those tough years to get to this point, but playing in those [lower-order] positions meant I had to adapt quickly. That has only helped me move up to the top of the order. I can’t really regret any of it. I’ll always take that as much as I can.”