The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the nominees for the prestigious Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year 2024. This honor celebrates the finest talents in women’s cricket who have left an indelible mark across all formats in the past year. The shortlist includes three dynamic all-rounders and a prolific batter, all of whom have delivered stellar performances that defined the year in women’s cricket.
Melie Kerr: New Zealand’s Dual Threat
Melie Kerr showcased her all-round brilliance in 2024, playing a pivotal role in New Zealand’s historic triumph at the Women’s T20 World Cup. In ODIs, Kerr scored 264 runs across nine matches at an average of 33, with a top score of 57, and claimed 14 wickets, including a best of 4/42. Her T20I performances were equally outstanding, with 387 runs from 18 T20Is at an average of 24.18 and 29 wickets, her best being 4/20.
Kerr’s crowning achievement was leading the White Ferns to their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title. She amassed 135 runs and a record-breaking 15 wickets in the tournament. In the final against South Africa, Kerr played a decisive role, scoring 43 off 38 balls and taking 3/24, which included two crucial wickets in a single over. Her match-winning efforts earned her both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards, solidifying her as one of the brightest stars of the year.
Laura Wolvaardt: South Africa’s Batting Powerhouse
Laura Wolvaardt has been a dominant force in international cricket in 2024. Across 12 ODIs, she accumulated a staggering 697 runs at an average of 87.12, including a career-best unbeaten 184. In Tests, she scored 223 runs at an average of 37.16, with a top score of 122, and added 673 runs in T20Is at an average of 39.58, with the highest score of 102.
Leading South Africa as their all-format captain, Wolvaardt guided the Proteas to the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Her consistency with the bat was unmatched, as she emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer. A standout moment came in April when she struck her career-best 184* against Sri Lanka in Potchefstroom. The innings, featuring 23 boundaries and four sixes, was a masterclass in batting and showcased her ability to dominate at the highest level.
Chamari Athapaththu: Sri Lanka’s Veteran Star
Chamari Athapaththu continued her reign as one of the most impactful players in women’s cricket in 2024. She scored 458 runs in nine ODIs at an average of 65.42, with the highest score of 195, and took nine wickets, including best figures of 3/15. In T20Is, she amassed 720 runs at an average of 40 and claimed 21 wickets, with best figures of 4/29.
Athapaththu’s leadership and performances were instrumental in Sri Lanka’s success, including their maiden Women’s Asia Cup title, where she was named Player of the Tournament for scoring 304 runs. Her standout innings came against South Africa in an ODI in Potchefstroom, where she smashed an unbeaten 195 off 139 balls, the third-highest individual score in women’s ODI history. Her all-round contributions underscore her status as a cricketing legend.
Annabel Sutherland: Australia’s Rising All-Rounder
Annabel Sutherland had a breakthrough year, establishing herself as one of the top all-rounders in the 50-over format. She scored 210 runs in a single Test against South Africa. In ODIs, she accumulated 369 runs at an average of 52.71 and took 13 wickets, with best figures of 4/39.
Sutherland’s defining moment came during the one-off Test against South Africa, where she scored a mature 210, setting the record for the highest score by a No.6 batter in women’s Test cricket. She also delivered with the ball, taking 5 wickets in the match to secure a massive win for Australia. Her consistency in ODIs, including back-to-back centuries, further highlighted her incredible potential and impact.
Melie Kerr, Laura Wolvaardt, Chamari Athapaththu, and Annabel Sutherland have all redefined excellence in women’s cricket with their performances in 2024. Each nominee has contributed uniquely to their teams’ success, making the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy a closely contested honor this year.
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