The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the contenders for the prestigious ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024. This year’s shortlist includes four phenomenal cricketers: Smriti Mandhana from India, Chamari Athapaththu from Sri Lanka, Laura Wolvaardt from South Africa, and Annabel Sutherland from Australia. Each of these players has delivered standout performances, leaving an indelible mark on the game in 2024.
Smriti Mandhana: India’s Batting Maestro
Smriti Mandhana had an extraordinary year, amassing 743 runs from 12 innings at an impressive average of 61.91 and a strike rate of 96.99 and also bagged a wicket. Mandhana’s year took off in June when she smashed two back-to-back centuries against South Africa in Bengaluru. Later in the year, she delivered two more tons, maintaining her remarkable form through to December.
Mandhana’s Player of the Series-winning effort against South Africa saw her accumulate 343 runs from just three innings, including a magnificent 100 in the final match against New Zealand after the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Her final century of the year came against Australia in December, though it couldn’t prevent a series sweep by Australia.
Mandhana’s most iconic performance came in June during the second ODI against South Africa. Her sensational knock of 136 off 120 balls, adorned with 18 fours and 2 sixes, propelled India to a daunting total of 325/3. She also contributed with the ball, dismissing Sune Luus, as India clinched a thrilling four-wicket win.
Annabel Sutherland: Australia’s All-Round Sensation
The 23-year-old Annabel Sutherland had a stellar year with both bat and ball, scoring 369 runs from 9 innings at a strike rate of 100.27 and an average of 52.71. She also bagged 13 wickets at an average of 17.69 and an economy rate of 4.19.
Sutherland started the year with a two-wicket haul in Mumbai and later showcased her batting brilliance with a century during the home series against India and another in New Zealand. Her all-round heroics earned her Player of the Series honors against India, cementing her position as one of the world’s best all-rounders.
At the iconic WACA Ground in Perth, Sutherland’s explosive 110 off 95 balls, featuring nine boundaries and four sixes, was a masterclass in aggressive batting. She also dismissed India’s skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, steering Australia to a commanding series sweep.
Chamari Athapaththu: Sri Lanka’s Trailblazing Captain
Chamari Athapaththu was unstoppable in 2024, scoring 458 runs from 9 innings at an average of 65.42 and a strike rate of 101.10. The Sri Lankan skipper also claimed 9 wickets, further solidifying her status as a world-class all-rounder.
Athapaththu’s year began with a bang in April, as she smashed an unbeaten 195 in a thrilling chase against South Africa. She followed it up with stellar performances against the West Indies, 130 runs and 4 wickets across the series thus helping her side secure a 3-0 series victory. Her all-round brilliance was on full display in Belfast, where she ended the year on a high.
Athapaththu’s awe-inspiring 195* against South Africa was a testament to her dominance. Her knock, laced with 26 fours and 5 sixes, led Sri Lanka to a record-breaking chase of 301 with more than five overs to spare.
Laura Wolvaardt: South Africa’s Run Machine
Laura Wolvaardt had a sensational 2024, accumulating 697 runs from 12 innings at an outstanding average of 87.12 and a strike rate of 87.34. After a slow start to the year, the South African skipper found her rhythm, producing a string of exceptional knocks, including three centuries.
Wolvaardt’s year was highlighted by unbeaten tons against Sri Lanka and a career-best 184* in Potchefstroom. She capped off her year with strong performances against England, proving her consistency and class.
Wolvaardt’s 184* against Sri Lanka was a masterclass in batting. Her 147-ball innings included 23 fours and 4 sixes, powering South Africa to a formidable total of 301/5.
The ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024 will undoubtedly be a deserving champion. Whether it’s Mandhana’s elegance, Sutherland’s all-round brilliance, Athapaththu’s tenacity, or Wolvaardt’s consistency, each contender has showcased the very best of women’s cricket. As the cricketing world awaits the announcement, one thing is certain: these stars have made 2024 an unforgettable year for the sport.
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