The list is decked with interesting and unexpected names, let’s take a look!
2022 has been quite a remarkable year with a lot of surprises and the list of wicket takers for Women’s ODIs packs a punch as it has a fine mix of experience and youth. Let’s get started!
1. Shabnim Ismail (South Africa) – 37 Wickets
Shabnim Ismail, one of the fastest women bowlers in the world deservingly tops the charts with 37 scalps from 17 matches. With an impressive economy rate of 4.02, she delivered when the team most needed her to deliver and even bowled 15 maidens. Her average is 14.89 and she registered of best bowling figures of 5/8 versus Ireland which was an astonishing spell as she single-handledly helped bundle out the opposition for 89 leading South Africa to a memorable 3-0 series win.
2. Sophie Ecclestone (England) – 34 Wickets
Sophie Ecclestone, one of the best spinners in the circuit at the moment with her impeccable accuracy and cricketing acumen is next on the list with 34 wickets from 20 matches. Boasting a sparing economy rate of 3.47, she has certainly set herself apart in a whole different league and also bowled 29 maidens, the most among any bowlers this year! With a jaw-dropping average of 19.14, she also registered phenomenal bowling figures of 6/36 versus South Africa in the semi-final of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2022 which will never be forgotten.
3. Charlie Dean (England) – 29 Wickets
Charlie Dean, the pocket dynamite and unexpected surprise on the list with 29 wickets from 17 matches is 3rd. With an economy rate of 4.28, she averaged 19.82 and bowled in the toughest of conditions and delivered. She picked 3 four-fers this year and can be credited for a good bowling performance every subtle time she stepped out to play. Her 4/23 versus India helped dismiss India for a paltry 134 in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup and will go down as one of the best spells.
4. Ayabonga Khaka (South Africa) – 27 Wickets
Another name that continued to excel and make the right noises this year has to be Ayabonga Khaka. Picking up 27 wickets from 18 matches, she has a whopping economy rate of 4.58 and a good average of 24.37, she registered figures of 5/26 versus West Indies in that 8 overs remarkable spell was special, to say the least.
5. Hayley Matthews (West Indies) – 26 Wickets
A bright spot in West Indies cricket that seems to be shining in spite of all the odds is Hayley Matthews. Sitting pretty at 5 on the list, she has scalped 26 wickets from 18 games and has a remarkable economy of 4.33 and an average of 23.96. Her best bowling figures of 4/15 this year came against Bangladesh in the World Cup which was a fantastic spell. Why her achievement is all the more special is that she led the Caribbean side from the front as a skipper while also contributing to the batting department.
I am a first year postgraduate student pursuing a MA in Media and Communication Studies at Christ University, Bengaluru. I am a podcaster, blogger and an avid cricket fan. When not glued to cricket matches, you can find me submerged in books and thinking about cricket all the time.
