The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the nominees for the esteemed ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024. This year’s selection features four exceptional players: Smriti Mandhana from India, Chamari Athapaththu representing Sri Lanka, South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, and Australia’s Annabel Sutherland. Each of these athletes has delivered remarkable performances, significantly impacting the game over the past year.
Smriti Mandhana: The Batting Sensation from India
Smriti Mandhana enjoyed a phenomenal year, gathering 743 runs from 12 innings at a stellar average of 61.91 and a strike rate of 96.99, alongside claiming a wicket. Her year gained momentum in June when she scored consecutive centuries against South Africa in Bengaluru. She continued to shine with two additional centuries later in the year, maintaining her striking form into December.
Mandhana’s series-winning performance against South Africa highlighted her capabilities, as she amassed 343 runs in just three innings, which included an impressive 100 in the concluding game against New Zealand following the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Her last century of the year came against Australia in December, despite it not being enough to avert a series defeat.
Perhaps her most memorable performance occurred during the second ODI against South Africa in June, where she scored an extraordinary 136 off 120 balls, featuring 18 fours and 2 sixes, guiding India to an imposing total of 325/3. Additionally, her bowling contributed to the dismissal of Sune Luus, and India secured a thrilling four-wicket victory.
Annabel Sutherland: The All-Round Star of Australia
The 23-year-old Annabel Sutherland had a remarkable year with both bat and ball, notching up 369 runs from 9 innings at a strike rate of 100.27 and an impressive average of 52.71. Alongside her batting, she took 13 wickets at an average of 17.69 and an economy rate of 4.19.
Sutherland kicked off the year with a two-wicket haul in Mumbai, followed by a brilliant century in the home series against India, complemented by another one in New Zealand. Her all-round achievements earned her the Player of the Series accolade against India, affirming her position among the leading all-rounders globally.
At the iconic WACA Ground in Perth, Sutherland’s explosive 110 off 95 balls, which included nine boundaries and four sixes, showcased her aggressive batting style. She also took the crucial wicket of India’s skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, helping Australia achieve a significant series sweep.
Chamari Athapaththu: The Inspiring Captain of Sri Lanka
Chamari Athapaththu was a force to be reckoned with in 2024, scoring 458 runs from 9 innings at an average of 65.42 and a strike rate of 101.10, while also taking 9 wickets, further enhancing her reputation as a world-class all-rounder.
Athapaththu’s year began spectacularly in April when she scored an unbeaten 195 in a thrilling chase against South Africa. She then delivered outstanding performances against the West Indies, accumulating 130 runs and taking 4 wickets to lead her side to a 3-0 series triumph. Her all-round brilliance was vividly displayed in Belfast, where she concluded the year on a high note.
Her remarkable 195* against South Africa epitomized her dominance, characterized by 26 fours and 5 sixes, as she propelled Sri Lanka to a record chase of 301 with more than five overs remaining.
Laura Wolvaardt: The Consistent Performer from South Africa
Laura Wolvaardt enjoyed a stellar 2024, accumulating 697 runs from 12 innings at a remarkable average of 87.12 and a strike rate of 87.34. After having a slow start to the year, the South African skipper found her rhythm and produced a series of remarkable performances, which included three centuries.
Wolvaardt’s year was particularly notable for her unbeaten tons against Sri Lanka and a career-best 184* in Potchefstroom. She concluded her year with solid outings against England, further showcasing her consistency and class.
Her innings of 184* against Sri Lanka was a stunning display of batting prowess, as she scored 184 runs off 147 balls, including 23 fours and 4 sixes, helping South Africa reach a formidable total of 301/5.
The ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024 is sure to be a worthy recipient. Whether it is Mandhana’s grace, Sutherland’s all-round genius, Athapaththu’s determination, or Wolvaardt’s reliability, all nominees have exemplified the best of women’s cricket. As the cricketing community eagerly anticipates the announcement, one thing is clear: these athletes have made 2024 an unforgettable year for the sport.
Image Source: Annabel Sutherland @ Instagram
