The year 2024 has been monumental for women’s cricket, packed with unforgettable moments that showcased the essence of the game. From the Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinching their maiden Women’s Premier League (WPL) trophy to the Melbourne Renegades achieving a stunning triumph in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), the year has been nothing short of spectacular.
Let’s revisit the Top 15 Moments of 2024 that illuminated women’s cricket on the global stage.
1. New Zealand’s Dream Run to T20 World Cup Glory
In Dubai this October, Sophie Devine ended her T20I captaincy tenure in grand style, leading New Zealand to their maiden T20 World Cup title. Despite entering the tournament on a 10-match losing streak, the Kiwis stunned favorites like India, Pakistan, and West Indies on their way to the final.
In the final against South Africa, Amelia Kerr delivered a match-winning performance, scoring 43 runs and taking 3 wickets to secure a 32-run victory. Kerr finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets in six matches. This victory marked New Zealand’s first ICC trophy since the 2000 ODI World Cup.
2. Ireland Stun England with Historic Wins
Ireland’s September showdown with England turned into a cricketing fairytale as the underdogs achieved two remarkable victories. The ODI series began with England dominating the first two matches, but Ireland had the final say in the third. In a rain-shortened 22-over contest, Aimee Maguire demolished England’s batting lineup with a breathtaking 5 for 19, bundling them out for just 153.
The chase was equally dramatic. Gaby Lewis anchored the innings with a gutsy 72 off 56 balls, and Alana Dalzell struck a last-ball four to secure Ireland’s first ODI win over England since 2001.
The drama didn’t stop there. In the T20I series, Ireland chased down a daunting target of 170 in the second match, leveling the series 1-1. Orla Prendergast starred with an electrifying 80 off 51 balls and figures of 2 for 31, marking Ireland’s maiden T20I win over England.
3. Sri Lanka’s Historic Asia Cup Triumph
In July, Sri Lanka claimed their first-ever Women’s Asia Cup title, defeating India by eight wickets. Chamari Athapaththu led from the front, scoring 304 runs in the tournament and earning the Player of the Tournament award. Harshita Samarawickrama sealed the final with a match-winning 69 off 51 balls*.
Sri Lanka’s unbeaten campaign was a testament to their dominance, highlighted by wins over Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India, etching their names in cricketing history.
4. Smriti Mandhana’s Record-Breaking Four ODI Centuries in 2024
Indian opener Smriti Mandhana became the first cricketer to score four ODI centuries in a single calendar year. Her stunning performances included centuries against South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia, solidifying her place as one of the finest batters in women’s cricket.
5. Ireland Sweep T20I Series Against Bangladesh
Ireland bounced back from a 3-0 ODI series loss to sweep the T20I series against Bangladesh in December. Orla Prendergast was the star, taking 10 wickets and scoring crucial runs across three matches, showcasing Ireland’s resurgence.
6. RCB’s Historic WPL Title Triumph
Royal Challengers Bangalore finally lifted their first WPL trophy in March, breaking a 16-year drought. Led by Smriti Mandhana, RCB defeated Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator and secured the title with stellar performances from Ellyse Perry and Shreyanka Patil.
7. 15 Women’s Tests Announced in ICC FTP 2025-2029
The ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) announced a groundbreaking schedule for 2025-2029, featuring 15 women’s Tests. This includes matches involving Australia, England, India, South Africa, and West Indies, marking a significant expansion for the longest format of the game.
8. Cricket Confirmed for LA 2028 Olympics
Cricket will return to the Olympics at the LA 2028 Games, featuring the T20 format. This marks cricket’s first Olympic appearance since 1900 and represents a historic milestone for the sport’s global recognition.
9. Melbourne Renegades Clinch WBBL Title
Led by Hayley Matthews, the Melbourne Renegades ended their WBBL title drought with a thrilling victory in the rain-affected final at the MCG. Matthews starred with 69 runs, 2 wickets, and a stunning catch, capping a remarkable turnaround season for the team.
10. South Africa’s Back-to-Back T20 World Cup Finals
South Africa reached their second consecutive T20 World Cup final, defeating Australia in a dramatic semi-final. Though they lost to New Zealand in the final, their journey inspired a new generation of young cricketers.
11. Record Crowd at T20 World Cup
The 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE set a new attendance record, with over 91,000 fans attending matches. The final alone drew a crowd of 21,457, underscoring the growing popularity of women’s cricket.
12. Shafali Verma’s Stunning Double Century in Test Cricket
Indian opener Shafali Verma smashed a record-breaking 200 off 194 balls against South Africa, becoming the youngest woman to score a Test double century. Her innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting, featuring 23 fours and 8 sixes.
13. India’s Record-Breaking 603/6 in Test Cricket
India posted their highest-ever Test score of 603/6 against South Africa, fueled by Shafali Verma’s double century and Smriti Mandhana’s 149. The match ended in a dominant 10-wicket win, showcasing India’s growing strength in the longest format.
14. Annabel Sutherland’s Double Century
Australia’s Annabel Sutherland continued her rise to stardom with a stunning 210 against South Africa, becoming the 10th woman to score a Test double century. Her innings underlined her status as one of the brightest talents in world cricket.
15. Scotland Secures Maiden T20 World Cup Spot
Scotland booked their first-ever spot in the Women’s T20 World Cup, defeating Ireland in the semi-final of the 2024 ICC Qualifiers. Kathryn Bryce starred with 4 for 8, while Megan McColl’s 50 off 47 balls* ensured a historic victory for the Scots.
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