South Africa's players have eagerly sprinted out after the national anthems.

West Indies Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph are more sedately, in this heat wisely, taking their time.

Image source, Getty Images

West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin will look to script more history at the Women's T20 World Cup after reversing her retirement from international cricket weeks before the start of the tournament.

The 33-year-old all-rounder steered the Windies to their maiden T20 World Cup triumph in 2016 taking nine wickets, but made a surprise retirement in August 2022 after 14 years in international cricket.

"It feels good to be back. The break did a lot of good to me and put me in a very different place where I can be more focussed on the task at hand and also where I need to be in the future," Dottin told Stumped's Alison Mitchell.

"During the first year, I tried to stay away from cricket - mentally, physically and spiritually. When I started again a year ago, it just felt so relaxed. It was something new for me and that's when I realised I really needed that break."

Dottin also acknowledged the role played by former lead selector Ann Browne-John in her return. "She's been a bee in my ear, always telling me to come back. It was kind of annoying but in a good way, telling me I still have a lot to offer," Dottin added.

Listen to the full interview on BBC World Service's Stumped podcast.

A bit more from West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews on the return of the experienced Deandra Dottin after she came out of international retirement earlier this year.

Dottin has 2697 runs in 125 T20 innings at an average of 25.68 including two centuries. Dottin also 62 wickets in the format at 19.19.

"Deandra is really excited to be back out here," Matthews said.

"She has been enjoying training and being back in the group."

South Africa XI: Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinolo Jafta (wicketkeeper), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka.

West Indies XI: Hayley Matthews (captain), Qiana Joseph, Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbelle (wicketkeeper), Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Zaida James, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, Shamilia Connell.

West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews: "We would probably have had a bowl first but it looks like a really good wicket so we are excited to get out there and hopefully get off to a flying start.

"We've got two or three pacers as well as two or three spinners so I think we have our bowling options covered. We bat down to eight or nine so hopefully have the balance.

"It's hot here, like the West Indies. Probably a bit hotter than home but a few of us have played down here so I think we are good at acclimatising to conditions."

Image source, Getty Images

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaart: "We are bowling first because we think it's a fresh wicket and think chasing is better. We've had good preparation for the tournament. T20 cricket can be a bit crazy at times and we have to take it one game at a time.

"Hopefully we can get off to a good start. I think it will be a bit slower so we have picked the extra spinner. Keen to have a look at what this fresh wicket does."

West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews and South Africa counterpart Laura Wolvaardt - minus the camels - completed the toss a few moments ago.

Wolvaardt gave the coin a flick and Matthews called tails. It came down a head.

Wolvaardt has decided she fancies a chase so South Africa will take to the field first.

Image source, Getty Images

The opening day of the Women's T20 World Cup saw victories for Bangladesh and Pakistan in what, if we are totally honest, felt like a very low-key start to the tournament.

Today we'll get a look at some of the runners and riders bidding to challenge the two hot tips for the final in England and Australia.

We'll start with South Africa v West Indies followed by India v New Zealand.

Rest assured we will bring you every crucial wicket, catch, boundary and more besides. Welcome to our live text commentary of today's action from the Dubai International Stadium.