The cricketing world is abuzz as Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially announced the nominees for the highly anticipated Women’s T20I Player of the Year 2024 award.
These outstanding cricketers have not only elevated the standard of the women’s game in the Caribbean but have also left an indelible mark on the international stage with their consistent performances, remarkable skill, and unwavering passion. Let’s take an in-depth look at the five phenomenal nominees: Shemaine Campbelle, Hayley Matthews, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, and Chinelle Henry.
Nominees for the Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024
Hayley Matthews: A Captain’s Season for the Ages
Hayley Matthews has set the gold standard for all-round excellence in 2024. With the bat, the West Indies skipper has amassed a staggering 1,238 runs in just 30 innings, boasting a strike rate of 127.62 and an average of 47.61. Her nine half-centuries were punctuated by a career-defining century, an explosive 132 off 64 balls against Australia at North Sydney Oval on October 2, 2023. That knock, her highest in T20Is, not only anchored a memorable chase but also earned her the Player of the Match award.
Matthews’ impact extended to her bowling, where she claimed 33 wickets in 29 innings at an average of 20.81 and an economy rate of 6.80. Her four-wicket haul against Ireland in the third T20I at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium (4-0-14-4) was a masterclass in control and aggression, again earning her Player of the Match honours. Matthews finishes this phase as the team’s leading run-scorer and the second-highest wicket-taker, a testament to her match-winning versatility.
Shemaine Campbelle: The Reliable Wicket-keeper Batter
Shemaine Campbelle’s contribution as a wicket-keeper batter has been both steady and significant. Accumulating 476 runs at a strike rate of 92.06 and an average of 20.69 across 28 innings, Campbelle has often provided crucial runs in the middle order. Her reliability with the gloves is equally impressive, she’s been involved in 19 dismissals, including 10 catches (eight as wicketkeeper) and nine stumpings. Campbelle’s dual role has made her the second-highest run-scorer for West Indies in this phase, as well as a constant threat behind the stumps.
Afy Fletcher: The Spin Maestro
Afy Fletcher’s leg-spin has been a game-changer for the West Indies this season. She emerged as the team’s leading wicket-taker, snaring 35 wickets in 30 innings at an average of 19.80 and an economy rate of 7.09. Fletcher’s standout performance came against Sri Lanka in Hambantota on June 26, 2024, where she took 4 wickets for 23 runs in just 3.2 overs, a spell that dismantled the opposition and secured her the Player of the Match award.
With the bat, Fletcher added 112 runs at a strike rate of 103.70 and an average of 14 across 14 innings, often providing valuable lower order runs. Her ability to strike at key moments with both bat and ball has made her indispensable to the team’s fortunes.
Karishma Ramharack: The Consistent Contributor
Karishma Ramharack has quietly become one of the most reliable bowlers in the West Indies lineup. In 24 innings, she picked up 22 wickets at an average of 21.95 and an economy rate of 6.72. Ramharack’s ability to deliver under pressure was on full display against Pakistan in Karachi on April 26, 2024, where she returned with figures of 4 wickets for just 15 runs in her four-over spell—a performance that earned her the Player of the Match award.
Although her batting opportunities were limited, Ramharack still managed to contribute 10 runs in five innings. As the third-highest wicket-taker for West Indies in this phase, her consistency has been vital in the middle overs.
Chenille Henry: The Dynamic All-Rounder
Chinelle Henry’s all-round abilities have given the West Indies crucial balance. With the bat, Henry scored 218 runs in 21 innings, striking at 114.13 and averaging 19.81. Her ability to accelerate in the lower order has often provided the team with much-needed momentum.
With the ball, Henry has chipped in with 11 wickets in 23 innings, maintaining an average of 36 and an economy rate of 7.13. As the fifth-highest wicket-taker for West Indies in this period, her knack for breaking partnerships and contributing in both departments has made her a valuable asset.
Each nominee for the 2024 Women’s T20I Player of the Year has contributed uniquely to the West Indies’ successes. Hayley Matthews’ all-round dominance, Shemaine Campbelle’s reliability, Afy Fletcher’s wicket-taking prowess, Karishma Ramharack’s consistency, and Chinelle Henry’s dynamic presence have collectively raised the bar for Caribbean women’s cricket.
As the cricketing community awaits the announcement of the winner, one thing is certain: the future of West Indies women’s cricket is brighter than ever, powered by these exceptional talents whose numbers and performances speak for themselves.
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