The ICC has announced its Women’s T20 International Team of the Year for 2024, and Indian cricket fans have plenty to celebrate. Three Indian cricketers—Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh—have earned their spots in the prestigious team, recognizing their stellar performances over the year.
The star-studded lineup includes representatives from several cricketing nations, showcasing global talent. South Africa leads with Laura Wolvaardt as captain, joined by Mariajan Kapp, alongside notable players from Sri Lanka, England, Australia, West Indies, Ireland, and Pakistan.
Smriti Mandhana: A Record-Breaking Opener
Smriti Mandhana’s consistency throughout 2024 made her a standout performer for the Indian team. The left-handed opener began the year with a brilliant knock of 54 runs against Australia and ended on a high note with three consecutive half-centuries against the West Indies.
- Total Runs Scored: 763 in 23 matches
- Strike Rate: 126.53
- Average: 42.38
- Highest Score: 77
- Half-Centuries: 8
Mandhana’s performances helped her rise to the second spot in the ICC Women’s T20 International rankings. Her ability to maintain an impressive strike rate while anchoring innings made her an integral part of India’s batting lineup.
Richa Ghosh: Power-Hitter of the Year
Young wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh left her mark with explosive innings, including an unbeaten 64 runs off just 29 balls against the UAE. Known for her aggressive batting approach, she provided much-needed firepower during crucial matches.
- Total Runs Scored: 365 in 21 matches
- Strike Rate: 156.65
- Average: 33.18
- Half-Centuries: 2
Ghosh’s fearless approach not only added valuable runs to the team but also showcased her ability to finish matches, a quality rarely seen in young players.
Deepti Sharma: The All-Round Matchwinner
Deepti Sharma was instrumental in India’s success throughout 2024, thanks to her exceptional off-spin bowling and handy contributions with the bat. Her consistent performances cemented her reputation as one of the finest all-rounders in the world.
- Total Wickets Taken: 30
- Bowling Average: 17.80
- Economy Rate: 6.01
Deepti’s key spells included three-wicket hauls against Nepal and Pakistan in the Women’s Asia Cup, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure.
Global Cricket Stars Who Made the ICC Women’s T20 Team
Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) – Captain
Wolvaardt’s captaincy and consistent batting were pivotal in South Africa’s victories. Her unbeaten 58 against Australia in Canberra and her overall contributions earned her recognition.
Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)
Kapp impressed with both the bat and ball, scoring a crucial 75 against Australia and taking 11 wickets with her pace bowling.
Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)
Athapaththu showcased extraordinary form during the Women’s Asia Cup, where she smashed two centuries, including a match-winning 119* in the final against India.
Hayley Matthews (West Indies)
The versatile West Indies all-rounder played a crucial role for her team, adding depth with both her batting and bowling skills.
Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)
Sciver-Brunt brought stability to the middle order and contributed vital runs in key matches.
Amelia Kerr (Australia)
Kerr’s contributions in the T20 World Cup, where she was named Player of the Tournament, highlighted her brilliance. She claimed 29 wickets at an average of 15.55.
Orla Prendergast (Ireland)
The Irish all-rounder displayed exceptional skills with her pace bowling and lower-order hitting.
Sadia Iqbal (Pakistan)
The left-arm spinner delivered crucial breakthroughs for her team, ensuring her place among the best.
A Balanced XI Representing Excellence in Women’s T20 Cricket
The complete lineup of the ICC Women’s T20 Team of the Year 2024 features a perfect blend of experience and emerging talent:
- Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) – Captain
- Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)
- Smriti Mandhana (India)
- Richa Ghosh (India) – Wicketkeeper
- Deepti Sharma (India)
- Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)
- Hayley Matthews (West Indies)
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)
- Amelia Kerr (Australia)
- Orla Prendergast (Ireland)
- Sadia Iqbal (Pakistan)
This team not only highlights individual excellence but also reflects the growing competitiveness in women’s cricket. The inclusion of players from lesser-known cricketing nations, such as Ireland and Pakistan, signals the sport’s expanding global reach.
Indian Players Dominate Both T20 and ODI Teams
Interestingly, Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma also made it to the ICC Women’s ODI Best Team of 2024. Mandhana’s ODI performances mirrored her T20 success, with consistent run-scoring and match-winning knocks, while Deepti showcased her versatility yet again.
ICC’s Initiative to Promote Women’s Cricket
The ICC’s focus on highlighting women’s cricket is evident through the formation of such teams. It not only rewards consistent performances but also brings visibility to emerging stars, encouraging young talent worldwide to take up the sport.
This year’s Women’s T20 Team of the Year captures the essence of competitive cricket, with players who stood out for their talent, consistency, and determination. As women’s cricket continues to grow, fans can expect even more thrilling performances in the coming seasons.
