The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup was a fascinating display of cricket that saw some jaw-dropping matches besides the thrillers that set in stone how interesting and valuable women’s cricket is to the cricketing ecosystem.
Some players stood out and carved a mark for themselves, making it to our ICC Women’s T20 World Cup team. Here are the names:-
Laura Wolvaardt:
Synonymous in world cricket for her delightful cover drives, Laura Wolvaardt has been nothing short of a revelation in modern cricket. This World Cup was no different as she not just emerged as the top run-getter with 230 runs but averaged a healthy 46.00, striking at 106.48, which can improve. With age on her side and a brilliant mindset and skillset, she can already be envisioned as a player to watch out for.
Smriti Mandhana:
The stylish southpaw from India who has already enamored her fans and purists of the post with her prowess and gameplay, this World Cup, she displayed her finesses scoring 151 runs at an average of 37.75 while also striking at 138.53. She always stood up when the team needed her to the most, and missing a couple of games did not prove to be detrimental for a player of her class.
Beth Mooney (Wicket-Keeper):
Continuing to excel in the shortest format of the game and stamping her authority every single time she steps on to the cricketing field has to be Beth Mooney. She was in stunning form through the World Cup scoring 206 runs at a healthy average of 51.5 and notched up three scores of 50, making her a valuable prospect in the team and their fortunes.
Nat Sciver-Brunt:
Any adjective will fall short to describe the prolific all-rounder who continues to impress. Scoring 216 runs for England at #3 with a mouthwatering average of 72 and a strike rate of 141.17, she has time and again proven why she is one of the most sought-after all-rounders in world cricket.
Meg Lanning (Captain):
One of the most successful captains in the history of women’s cricket at the age of 30, she is continuing to stun cricketing pundits and fans with her astute and shrewd captaincy. Besides her fantastic cricketing brain, she scored 149 runs in the World Cup tourney averaging close to 50 and striking at 113.74.
Tazmin Brits:
One of the brightest spots from South Africa’s campaign has to be Tazmin Brits. Scoring 186 runs and firmly sitting at 5 in the top run-getters list, she was critical for South Africa in all junctures. Scoring the runs at an average of 37.2, she rung in two scores of 50, oozing class and confidence in equal measures.
Marizanne Kapp:
Singlehandedly paving the way for South African wins in the World Cup has to be Marizanne Kapp. be it her contributions with the bat or the ball, she stood up and always took the onus of delivering. Scoring 58 runs with a strike rate of 120, it was with the ball that she was more impactful, scalping 9 wickets at a brilliant economy of 6.27 and a strike rate of 14.7 which was stellar.
Nashra Sandhu:
The Pakistani bowler finds herself on the list as she scalped 7 wickets at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 13.7 and an economy of 6.12. Besides registering a four-fer, she lent a lot of solidity and balance to the bowling attack that definitely made her stand out.
Ashleigh Gardner:
One of the most promising all-rounders, Ash Gardner has time and again showcased what she is capable of. Scalping 10 wickets in the World Cup at an average of 12.5 and an economy of 6.25, she also scored 110 runs at 36.6 and an impressive strike rate of 119.56.
Sophie Ecclestone:
One of the premier spinners in world cricket at the moment, Sophie Ecclestone, has been scintillating. Pocketing 11 wickets at an unbelievable average of 7.54 and an economy of 4.15, she thrived in this World Cup and solidified her position as a top-quality spinner.
Megan Schutt:
Marred by setbacks in recent times, this World Cup presented the perfect opportunity for the experienced Megan Schutt to make a mark, and she did so in remarkable fashion. Amassing 10 wickets, she averaged 13.5 and was bowling at an economy of 6.13. She was instrumental in breaking key partnerships and reminded everyone why she is still relevant and one of the most wanted in the women’s arena.
Reserves: Richa Ghosh, Muneeba Ali, Jemimah Rodrigues, Orla Prendergast, Lea Tahuhu, Shabnim Ismail
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.