The ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year for 2024 has been officially revealed as part of the ICC Awards, celebrating a stellar lineup of players who excelled across all departments in the shortest format of the game. With match-winning performances and consistent displays throughout the year, these cricketers emerged as standout performers on the international stage. Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal earned a well-deserved spot in the squad after an exceptional breakthrough year in 2024.
Here’s an in-depth look at the remarkable players who made the prestigious list and their incredible contributions during the 2024 season.
Key Highlights: ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year 2024
Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) – Captain Fantastic
Stats: 19 Matches, 673 Runs, 39.58 Average, 125.09 Strike Rate, 1 Century, 3 Half-Centuries
Laura Wolvaardt led South Africa with elegance and authority in 2024. Renowned for her remarkable consistency, she played multiple match-defining innings, including a magnificent century (102 off 63 balls) against Sri Lanka. Her leadership skills, combined with her batting prowess, earned her the No. 5 spot in the ICC Women’s T20I Batting Rankings.
Smriti Mandhana (India) – The Run Machine
Stats: 23 Matches, 763 Runs, 42.38 Average, 126.53 Strike Rate, 8 Half-Centuries
Smriti Mandhana cemented her place as one of the finest T20I batters in 2024, finishing with 763 runs across 23 matches. Known for her elegant stroke play, Mandhana’s three consecutive half-centuries against the West Indies were among the highlights of her year. Her exploits secured her the second spot in the ICC Women’s T20I Batting Rankings.
Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka) – The Game-Changer
Stats: 21 Matches, 720 Runs, 40.00 Average, 126.76 Strike Rate, 2 Centuries, 4 Half-Centuries; 21 Wickets, 16.80 Bowling Average
Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu showcased her all-round brilliance, leading her team to a historic Asia Cup triumph. Her unbeaten 119* against Malaysia was a standout performance, while her 21 wickets with the ball solidified her reputation as a game-changing all-rounder.
All-Round Stars and Bowling Maestros
Hayley Matthews (West Indies) – The Dynamic Performer
Stats: 16 Matches, 538 Runs, 35.86 Average, 121.99 Strike Rate, 5 Half-Centuries; 14 Wickets, 3/25 Best Bowling
Hayley Matthews continued her rise as one of the top all-rounders in women’s cricket. Her unbeaten 85* against India was a batting masterclass, and her 14 wickets highlighted her versatility as a player. Matthews ended the year as the top-ranked all-rounder in the ICC Women’s T20I Rankings.
Nat Sciver-Brunt (England) – Dependable and Explosive
Stats: 16 Matches, 423 Runs, 47.00 Average, 133.86 Strike Rate, 3 Half-Centuries; 7 Wickets
Nat Sciver-Brunt delivered consistent performances under pressure, combining her composure with explosive batting. Her unbeaten 67* against South Africa was a testament to her ability to shine in high-pressure situations.
Melie Kerr (New Zealand) – The Player of the Year
Stats: 18 Matches, 387 Runs; 29 Wickets, 15.55 Bowling Average
Melie Kerr was the undisputed star of 2024, delivering a career-defining season. Her 29 wickets in 18 matches, including a Player of the Tournament performance in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, highlighted her exceptional skill as an all-rounder.
Rising Stars and Consistent Contributors
Richa Ghosh (India) – The Aggressive Finisher
Stats: 21 Matches, 365 Runs, 33.18 Average, 156.65 Strike Rate
India’s wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh thrilled fans with her aggressive batting. Her strike rate of 156.65 was among the best in the world, and her unbeaten 64* off just 29 balls against UAE showcased her game-changing potential.
Marizanne Kapp (South Africa) – The Reliable All-Rounder
Stats: 16 Matches, 399 Runs, 30.69 Average; 11 Wickets
Marizanne Kapp proved to be a dependable all-rounder for South Africa. Her quickfire 75 against Australia and crucial contributions with the ball underlined her value to the team.
Orla Prendergast (Ireland) – The Emerging Star
Stats: 18 Matches, 544 Runs; 21 Wickets, 12.90 Bowling Average
Ireland’s Orla Prendergast announced herself on the global stage with an impressive all-round performance in 2024. Her 80-run knock against England and 21 wickets throughout the year made her one of the brightest young talents in world cricket.
Bowling Powerhouses
Deepti Sharma (India) – The Spin Wizard
Stats: 23 Matches, 30 Wickets, 17.80 Bowling Average
Deepti Sharma continued to excel as a spinner, delivering crucial breakthroughs for India. Her spell of 3/13 against Nepal was among the most memorable bowling performances of her year.
Sadia Iqbal (Pakistan) – The Breakthrough Bowler
Stats: 19 Matches, 30 Wickets, 14.30 Bowling Average
Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal emerged as a standout performer in 2024. Her left-arm spin proved to be a decisive weapon, with her 4/16 against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup underscoring her skill and composure under pressure.
A Celebration of Excellence
The ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year for 2024 celebrates the depth and diversity of talent in women’s cricket. From top-order brilliance to all-round mastery and dominant bowling performances, this team represents the finest players who left a lasting mark on the game during the year.
As the sport continues to grow, these exceptional players serve as trailblazers, inspiring future generations and ensuring women’s cricket reaches new heights of excitement and global recognition.
