Smriti Mandhana bags her 3rd Best International Cricketer for 2023-2024 at BCCI Naman Awards

The experienced 28-year-old elegant left-handed opening batter Smriti Mandhana, who is currently the all-format vice-captain of the Indian women’s team has been named the Best International Cricketer of the Year 2023-2024 in the Women’s category, adding another award in her kitty.

It is the third instance when she has been named the Best International Cricketer of the Year, 2021-2022, and 2020-21 were the previous instances when she received this prestigious award, a fitting accolade for an athlete who truly shone across all formats.

Smriti Mandhana bags her 3rd Best International Cricketer for 2023-2024 at BCCI Naman Awards
Smriti Mandhana bags her 3rd Best International Cricketer for 2023-2024 at BCCI Naman Awards

In 2024, the Indian vice-captain dominated in the ODI arena, as she amassed a remarkable 747 runs at an impressive strike rate of 95.15, with an average soaring in the high 50s at 57.46 over 13 innings. This phenomenal feat placed her at the top of the run-scoring charts for ODIs, making her a force to be reckoned with. Her year included not only a breathtaking four centuries, setting a record for the most centuries by a woman in a calendar year in ODIs but also three half-centuries, underscoring her consistency and prowess.

One of the highlights of her stint in 2024 came on June 19, during the second ODI against South Africa at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. In a masterclass of batting, she scored a sensational century, amassing 136 runs off just 120 balls, marking her highest score in ODIs to date. But Mandhana’s contributions didn’t stop at the crease—she showcased her all-round skills by claiming her maiden international wicket, dismissing former South African captain Sune Luus in the same match.

In a remarkable achievement, Mandhana surpassed the legendary Mithali Raj’s record of most centuries by an Indian batter (7), now holding ten centuries to her name in Women’s ODIs. This places her jointly third alongside England’s Tammy Beaumont in the all-time list for the most centuries in women’s ODI cricket, further highlighting her growing legacy in the sport. She was also named the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year, for the 2nd time, previously receiving the prestigious honour in 2018. She also made her way into the Women’s ODI Team of the Year 2024, named by the ICC.

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As far as the T20I format is concerned, she was the leading run-scorer in T20 Internationals as well, amassing an impressive 763 runs at an exceptional strike rate of 126.53, paired with a remarkable average of 42.38 over 21 innings. Her consistent performance not only highlights her skill but also cements her pivotal role in the team.

Mandhana’s prowess with the bat is underscored by her remarkable tally of eight half-centuries, showcasing her ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed. One of her standout moments came on December 19, 2024, during a series decider against the West Indies, where she delivered a match-winning performance.

Scoring a vital 77 runs off just 47 balls, she played a crucial role in leading her side to victory. Her stellar run in the series earned her the Player of the Series award, with a total of 193 runs across three innings. Her outstanding contributions haven’t gone unnoticed, as she has earned a well-deserved spot in the ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year 2024.

In the red-ball format, she also notched up her career-best score of 149 (161 balls) on 28th June 2024 in a one-off Test Match against South Africa led by skipper Laura Wolvaardt at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, in Chennai. As Smriti Mandhana continues to dazzle fans and critics alike with her brilliant performances, one can only imagine what records she will shatter next in her illustrious career.

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