PNG were the surprise winners of the EAP Qualifier in September 2006, the first time the country had played representative cricket as the women's game was only introduced there in 1991. Most of the current squad have only taken up the game in the last five years, except for captain Kune Amini and wicketkeeper Lucy Ovia. 18-year-old all-rounder Norma Ovasuru is also vital to the side's chances of qualification.

Led by Cri-Zelda Brits, their leading top-order batsman, the South Africans will be one of the favourites to qualify for Australia in 2009. An experienced side, with half of the squad having played in the last Women's World Cup, it has shown excellent recent form including convincing wins over Pakistan at home in January 2007 and the Netherlands in August. Left arm seamer Ashlyn Kilowan will be expected to star with the ball.

Having played their first Test match against South Africa in August 2007, cricket in the Netherlands continues to go from strength to strength. The European Championships, which were played in the Netherlands and saw them defeat Scotland, also provided an excellent opportunity for the side to prepare for this qualifying event. The level of dedication shown by the squad is illustrated by the fact that some members have to travel more than four hours, at least three times a week, to come together for training.

The experienced side has prepared for the competition by participating in the Boys Under-16 domestic league and Twenty20 events, following its success in the Americas Regional Qualifier in September 2006. Bermuda will look to Reuna Richardson, who can bowl medium pace or spin, and the all-round skills of Terry-Lynn Paynter if they are to be successful.

Under the direction of national coach Miriam Grealey, the side has been preparing hard for the event. The Irish team has never lost to Pakistan and will be hoping to repeat the exploits of its male counterparts at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007. All-rounder Jill Whelan, younger sister of captain Heather, is a vastly-improved player, while Isobel Joyce, whose brother Ed has represented England, will be expected to make vital contributions both with the bat and her clever left-arm spin.

Women's cricket has developed hugely since the PCB took over the game in 2005 and the much improved performances at the Asia Cup in 2007 illustrate the growing strength of the Pakistani side. All-rounder Sajida Shah, spinner and captain Urooj Mumtaz Khan, who took 5-40 against South Africa last year, will both be key players for the team.

Led by all-rounder Julia Chibhabha, who became the captain of the first-ever national team in 2006, and is also the only Level One female coach in Zimbabwe, the inexperienced side qualified for the event after an impressive display in qualifying in Kenya. Sinikiwe Mpofu, who has put her journalism studies on hold in order to concentrate on her cricket, will also be expected to make an impact by opening the batting and taking wickets with her medium pace bowling.

Scottish cricket has taken important steps to develop the women's game in the last few years, including the establishment of five girls' development centres across the country and an Under-16 girls squad. A young squad, including seven Under-21 players, will travel to South Africa for the event and will be looking to build on the experience gained from taking part in the European Championships last year and the ECB County Challenge Cup.