The ICC has released its Women’s T20I Team of the Year 2024 on Saturday, honoring players who exhibited extraordinary performances over the last year.
This esteemed lineup showcases some of the top cricketers from various countries, who played vital roles in different aspects of the game. Led by South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, the team includes India’s Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh, Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu, West Indies’ Hayley Mathews, England’s Nat Sciver Brunt, New Zealand’s Melie Kerr, South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp, Ireland’s Orla Prendergast, and Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal. Their remarkable performances for their nations earned them a spot in this select eleven.
ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year 2024:
Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa):
The South African captain had an outstanding year, scoring 673 runs in 19 matches at an average of 39.58 and a strike rate of 125.09. She recorded three half-centuries and one century, showcasing her reliability in T20s. She initiated the year on a high note, scoring 58* off 53 balls to lead her team against Australia, and her notable century against Sri Lanka highlighted her excellent form. Currently, she ranks fifth among batters in the ICC Women’s Rankings.
Smriti Mandhana (India):
Smriti Mandhana, India’s exceptional left-handed opener, had an extraordinary year in 2024, amassing 763 runs at a strike rate of 126.53 and an average of 42.38 over 23 matches. Her record-breaking season included eight half-centuries, starting with a fine 54 against Australia, followed by notable performances against South Africa and multiple half-centuries in the Women’s Asia Cup. She ended the year with three consecutive centuries versus the West Indies.
Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka):
The Sri Lankan captain showcased her skills throughout 2024, spearheading her team to its first Asia Cup title. She scored a total of 720 runs in 21 matches at an average of 40 with a strike rate of 126.76, which included two centuries during the Asia Cup against Scotland and Malaysia. A vital 61 in the final against India added to her three half-centuries during the tournament. In addition, she contributed significantly with the ball, claiming 21 wickets at an average of 16.80. Her best bowling performance was 4 wickets for 29 runs against the West Indies in Hambantota.
Hayley Mathews (West Indies):
Hayley Mathews made a strong case for her inclusion with a standout 2024 T20I season, demonstrating her talents in both batting and bowling. Across 16 matches, she scored 538 runs at an average of 121.99, hitting five half-centuries. Her batting prowess was showcased in two successive half-centuries against Pakistan. With the ball, she took 14 wickets, with her best figures being 3/25. A commanding unbeaten 85 helped secure a nine-wicket victory against India, solidifying her position as the top all-rounder and fourth-ranked batter in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings.
Nat Sciver Brunt (England):
In 2024, Nat Sciver Brunt emerged as a key player for England, accumulating 423 runs across 16 matches at a strike rate of 133.86 and an average of 47. Her batting included three half-centuries, notably against the West Indies and South Africa. In addition to her runs, she contributed significantly with the ball, taking 7 wickets throughout the year.
Melie Kerr (New Zealand):
New Zealand’s Melie Kerr made headlines in T20Is during 2024, playing a crucial role in leading her team to their first T20 World Cup title. At just 24, she was named Player of the Tournament, breaking the record with 15 wickets—more than any bowler in the tournament’s history. In 18 matches, she scored 387 runs and took 29 wickets, ranking second in the ICC Women’s T20I all-rounder standings and sixth in bowling. Her best bowling figures came against Australia, where she took 4 wickets for 26 runs. In the T20 World Cup Final, she was the top scorer with 43 runs and also claimed 3 wickets for 24 runs.
Richa Ghosh (India):
Indian wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh had an exciting year, highlighting her aggressive batting approach. In 21 matches, she tallied 365 runs at a striking rate of 156.65 with two half-centuries. A standout performance included a formidable 64* off 29 balls against UAE, while her second half-century was a rapid 54 off 21 balls against the West Indies.
Marizanne Kapp (South Africa):
Reliability characterized Marizanne Kapp’s year, as she amassed 399 runs in 16 matches and secured 11 wickets. Key performances included a 75 off 48 balls against Australia and a speedy 57 off 33 balls against India in Chennai. Her best bowling performance was 2/14 against the West Indies in Dubai, and she stands sixth in the ICC Women’s All-Rounder Rankings.
Orla Prendergast (Ireland):
The young talent from Ireland, Orla Prendergast, had a remarkable year, scoring 544 runs in 18 matches while claiming 21 wickets. She began strongly with a score of 67 off 48 balls against Zimbabwe and achieved a high score of 80 against England, also contributing with 2 wickets for 31 runs in that match.
Deepti Sharma (India):
Deepti Sharma was a consistent performer for India in 2024, delivering both dependable batting and impressive bowling. Her T20I figures included 30 wickets at an average of 17.80 and an economy rate of 6.01, in addition to scoring 115 runs. Highlight performances featured 3/13 against Nepal and 3/20 against Pakistan during the Women’s Asia Cup, showcasing her ability to be a wicket-taker and solidifying her place in the Indian squad.
Sadia Iqbal (Pakistan):
Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal, currently second in the ICC Women’s T20I Bowling Rankings, had an outstanding 2024, claiming 30 wickets in 19 matches with an impressive average of 14.30. Her highlight performances included 3/18 against the West Indies in Karachi and her best T20I figures of 4/16 against Sri Lanka during the Women’s Asia Cup. Notably, against South Africa in Multan, she took 3/34, exemplifying her knack for securing key wickets.
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