Deandra Dottin became the first woman to score a century in T20Is during a World T20 match against South Africa in 2010, providing the most effective antidote to those who have tried to suggest that the women's game is without power. Dottin's incredible 38-ball century, which featured five fours and nine sixes, remains the fastest by any cricketer, male or female, in T20Is. "I decided to go after everything", she said afterwards.

That had come less than 12 months after another record: a 22-ball half-century against Australia during the 2009 World Twenty20, which was then the fastest by any woman in T20Is. Dottin's West Indies career since her debut in June, 2008, against Ireland has been an explosive one. After making 95 in the final of the 2011 Women's World Cup Qualifier against Pakistan to help West Indies win the tournament and seal their spot in the main tournament in India, Dottin - who also excels at javelin, shotput and discus - hit 60 off 67 balls during the 2013 Women's World Cup, giving West Indies their first-ever ODI victory against Australia and their first-ever appearance in a global-tournament final.

It was no surprise then that she was on top of the list when the West Indies Cricket Board awarded their first central contracts to women in 2010. Dottin was among only two women, apart from Stafanie Taylor, to receive a Grade A contract. She has, however, been vocally critical of the continued pay disparity between men's and women's cricket.

She was largely responsible for West Indies' victory in the T20 tri-nation tournament - also involving England and New Zealand Women - in November 2013, slapping 46 unbeaten runs off 35 balls in the final and being named Player of the Series. More recently, she has proved her worth as a handy pace bowler, taking 4 for 12 against England in the 2014 Women's World Twenty20, which helped West Indies win the group match by nine runs. She was also a crucial part of West Indies' victory in the following edition of the tournament. Dottin took nine wickets at 13.55, including 2 for 33 in the final, as West Indies became the only team outside of England, Australia and New Zealand to win a global tournament.
Raf Nicholson