The spirit of West Indies women’s cricket has never soared higher than in the 2023-2024 season. The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Annual Awards have shone a well-deserved spotlight on the outstanding performances and breakthrough artists who have redefined standards and inspired a new generation of cricketers. As we reflect on the season’s stars, the impact of Hayley Matthews, Plaffiana Millington, and Kycia Knight stands out as a beacon of talent, tenacity, and progress for women’s cricket in the region.
Women’s ODI and T20I Player of the Year: Hayley Matthews
The West Indies skipper, Hayley Matthews, has not only led her team with distinction but also established herself as a generational talent on the world stage. Her phenomenal dual achievement, claiming both the ODI and T20I Player of the Year Awards, is testament to her consistency and match-winning ability.
Matthews scored 625 runs at a strike rate of 90.71 and a stunning average of 62.50 in 11 ODI innings, is the stuff of legends. Four centuries in a single season, including a majestic 141 against Pakistan in April 2024, underline her consistency and hunger for big runs. Her bowling produced 14 wickets at an average of 24.92 and an economy of 4.30, once again highlighting her prowess as cricket’s quintessential all-rounder. For the West Indies, Matthews isn’t just a leader; she has a legacy in the making.
In T20I cricket, over the season, Matthews amassed a staggering 1,238 runs at a blistering strike rate of 127.62 and an average of 47.61 from 30 innings. Her fireworks included 9 half-centuries and a spectacular century against Australia, where she smashed 132* off 64 balls in North Sydney, a performance that earned her Player of the Match, etching her name among the game’s elites.
With the ball, she was just as lethal, claiming 33 wickets at an average of 20.81, with an economy of 6.80. Her all-round brilliance culminated in a memorable four-wicket haul against Ireland, 4-0-14-4, a match-winner’s effort in St Lucia on 8th July 2023.
Women’s T20 Blaze Player of the Year: Plaffiana Millington
Plaffiana Millington’s rise through the regional ranks has been nothing short of meteoric. The Guyanese pacer turned heads in both editions of the Women’s T20 Blaze, leading from the front with her sharp, accurate bowling.
In 2023, Millington delivered a commendable performance with 6 wickets at an average of 15.83 and an economy of 4.78 over five innings. The following year, she elevated her game, becoming the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 11 wickets at an unparalleled average of 4.82 and a miserly economy of 2.89 in just five innings. Her ability to strike early and choke the run flow made her a captain’s go-to weapon, translating directly into Guyana’s competitive edge.
Women’s Super50 Player of the Year: Kycia Knight
A stalwart for Barbados, Kycia Knight’s performances in the Women’s Super50 Cup underlined both her experience and calm under pressure. Balancing aggression and stability, she proved why she is regarded as the best batter in the region.
In the 2023 edition, Knight contributed 117 runs at a steady strike rate and an average of 23.40 in five innings, solid, if not spectacular. The 2024 tournament, however, saw her game blossom spectacularly. She racked up 272 runs at an average of 68, topping the scoring charts. Her tally included three half-centuries and the highest score of 90, powering Barbados to several crucial victories.
For the West Indies, Knight remains a mentor and an architect, her grit and determination pivotal in nurturing the next generation of champions.
The CWI Annual Awards for 2023-2024 have not just recognised individual brilliance; they have captured the pulse of a vibrant, evolving women’s game in the Caribbean. From the world-beating exploits of Hayley Matthews to the inspirational rise of Plaffiana Millington and the measured consistency of Kycia Knight, these awardees have lit the way forward.
With such leaders at the helm, the future of West Indies women’s cricket looks brighter than ever, full of promise, passion, and potential. The world is watching, and the Caribbean is ready to shine.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.