The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025 Team of the Tournament has been unveiled, with Fatima Sana of Pakistan being named as the captain of this exceptional lineup. The announcement came from the global governing body, with Sana leading her unbeaten team to a well-earned spot in the World Cup later this year. The team, which features a blend of remarkable talents from four countries, reflects the brilliance and resilience displayed throughout the tournament.
ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025, Team of the Tournament:
Hayley Matthews – West Indies
Hayley Matthews, the captain of the West Indies, delivered a truly remarkable performance in the Qualifier. With 240 runs, including a high score of 114* and 13 wickets at an average of under 16, Matthews was an indispensable all-rounder for her side. Her finest moment came during her unbeaten 114* against Scotland, where she fought through injury to anchor her team. Matthews also had a stunning 29-ball 70 against Thailand, featuring 11 fours and two sixes. Her exceptional bowling, including the best bowling performance of 4/24, made her the tournament’s highest wicket-taker.
Muneeba Ali – Pakistan
Muneeba Ali’s steady contributions at the top of the order were crucial to Pakistan’s success. She scored 223 runs, including the highest of 71 against Scotland, where she guided Pakistan through a tense run chase. Her 69 against Bangladesh helped set up the chase for Pakistan in their final match, earning her Player of the Match honors. Muneeba’s consistency, including a brilliant catch in the field, was vital for her team, showcasing her all-round abilities.
Sharmin Akhter – Bangladesh
Sharmin Akhter played a central role in Bangladesh’s campaign, finishing with 266 runs, including a high score of 94* against Thailand and a crucial 57 against Scotland. Akhter’s three fifties made her the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament, highlighting her ability to anchor the innings and provide stability throughout the tournament. Her contribution was essential in Bangladesh securing a World Cup spot.
Kathryn Bryce – Scotland
Kathryn Bryce was crowned Player of the Tournament for her outstanding all-round performance. Bryce finished as the highest run-scorer with 293 runs, including a career-best 131* in Scotland’s final group match against Ireland. This knock helped her side recover from 19/3, and she later returned with the ball to claim three crucial wickets. Bryce’s all-round brilliance, with 6 wickets and a best bowling performance of 3/49, showed why she was the standout player of the competition.
Nigar Sultana (WK) – Bangladesh
As both the wicket keeper and captain of Bangladesh, Nigar Sultana Joty was a key figure in her team’s journey to the World Cup. With 241 runs, including a brilliant 101, she played pivotal roles in Bangladesh’s three wins. Her stumping and catching abilities behind the stumps were equally significant, with her recording 3 stumpings and 2 catches. As a leader, Sultana managed her team with calm and composure throughout the tournament.
Fatima Sana (C) – Pakistan
Fatima Sana was Pakistan’s talisman during the Qualifier, contributing with both bat and ball. The Pakistani captain scored 103 runs and took 12 wickets, including a match-winning 4/23 against Scotland in a rain-affected match. Fatima also played a match-saving knock of 62* against Thailand, rescuing her side from 85/4. Her leadership, combined with her all-round performances, was a key factor in Pakistan’s successful campaign.
Chinelle Henry – West Indies
Chinelle Henry’s influence was felt throughout the tournament. While her statistics of 171 runs and one wicket do not fully capture her impact, Henry’s presence at the crease was crucial for the West Indies. She played vital knocks like 51* against Bangladesh and 48 off just 17 balls against Thailand, smashing five sixes. Henry’s ability to change the course of a match with her aggressive style of batting made her one of the tournament’s most exciting players.
Aaliyah Alleyne – West Indies
Aaliyah Alleyne was a standout performer with the ball, finishing with 12 wickets, including a career-best 4/39 against Bangladesh. Alleyne’s consistent wicket-taking ability, combined with her lower-order batting contributions, made her one of the most reliable all-rounders in the tournament. She delivered a wicket in every match, making her an indispensable part of the West Indies squad.
Katherine Fraser – Scotland
Katherine Fraser was a key performer for Scotland, taking 10 wickets and contributing with the bat when needed. Her standout moment came in the match against the West Indies, where she took 3 wickets to help Scotland bowl out their opponents. Fraser also contributed 25* in a tense chase, demonstrating her all-round abilities and pinpoint accuracy with the ball. Her performance throughout the tournament made her a player to watch in the future.
Nashra Sandhu – Pakistan
Nashra Sandhu’s control and accuracy with the ball were pivotal for Pakistan throughout the Qualifier. The left-arm spinner took 10 wickets at an average of 15.60, including a best bowling performance of 3/19. Sandhu’s key breakthroughs in the middle overs, particularly against teams like the West Indies, helped Pakistan maintain the pressure and set up victories in tight matches.
Sadia Iqbal – Pakistan
Sadia Iqbal was another key spinner in Pakistan’s lineup, picking up 9 wickets at an average of 16. She, along with Sandhu, formed a formidable spin duo that provided control in the middle overs, preventing the opposition from building partnerships. Iqbal’s economy rate, like Sandhu’s, was under four, making her an essential asset in the team’s successful campaign.
Reserve Player: Rabeya Khan – Bangladesh
Rabeya Khan’s contributions with the ball were significant despite being named as a reserve player. Khan took 6 wickets at an economy rate of 3.72, with a standout performance of 3/39 against Ireland. Her accuracy and consistency with the ball helped Bangladesh restrict the opposition and play a key role in their qualification for the World Cup.
ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025, Team of the Tournament:
Hayley Matthews (West Indies)
Muneeba Ali (Pakistan)
Sharmin Akhter (Bangladesh)
Kathryn Bryce (Scotland)
Nigar Sultana (Bangladesh) (WK)
Fatima Sana (Pakistan) (C)
Chinelle Henry (West Indies)
Aaliyah Alleyne (West Indies)
Katherine Fraser (Scotland)
Nashra Sandhu (Pakistan)
Sadia Iqbal (Pakistan)
*Rabeya Khan (Bangladesh)
*Reserve player
This team stands as a testament to the exceptional talent and resilience shown by these players throughout the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025. Each individual listed has made their mark with outstanding contributions, cementing their places in a team that promises to deliver thrilling cricket at the World Cup later this year.
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