The list boasts some established names who really set the benchmark for how it is done!
2022 has been another spectacular year for women’s cricket. We have witnessed so many thrilling encounters in bilateral series and the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2022 also generated excitement but the burning question is who are the top run-getters in Women’s ODIs this year?
Laura Wolvaardt
Any list would be incomplete without the immensely talented youngster. The South African is known for her sumptuous cover drives, ones to die for quite literally has had quite the year. Raking up 882 runs at an admirable average of 49 and a good strike rate of 78.96, she was impressive, to say the least, and has the record of being 2nd on the list of scoring the most runs in a calendar year in Women’s ODIs just behind Belinda Clark’s 970 in 1997. Scoring that memorable 117 vs West Indies, she also scored eight half-centuries this year. The 23-year-old would certainly be looking forward to carrying the form for the next year and delivering when the team needs it the most.
Nat Sciver
An asset for any team she plays in, Nat Sciver is next on the list with 833 runs. Her prolific average of 59.5 and the remarkable strike rate of 91.43 this year puts her on a whole different level. Additionally, she has scored 2 centuries this year and scored 5 half centuries. The highlight for her this year was her highest score of 148* vs Australia in the World Cup and it will not be forgotten as it still remains one of the best knocks played in a pressure situation. She has also exhibited remarkable strength as she took a break from cricket to focus on her mental health this year in spite of being at her peak and her comeback has been nothing short of inspirational.
Harmanpreet Kaur
The swashbuckling skipper from India makes it to the list at 3 having piled on 754 runs at a healthy average of 58 and a noteworthy strike rate of 89.76. This year also marked her ascendancy to ODI captaincy which she has taken to so well leading India from the front. Her rich vein of form ensured she scored 2 centuries and scored 5 half-centuries as well. Her 143* versus England was a special knock and she registered her 2nd highest score in this format.
Sidra Ameen
Sidra Ameen, the stylish opener from Pakistan is next on the list. Scoring 697 runs at an unbelievable average of 63.36 and strike rate of 77.53, this year has been nothing short of delightful for her. Scoring 176 off 151, in a knock that comprised 20 boundaries and 1 six vs Ireland, she was in brilliant touch throughout the year and middled the ball to perfection.
Smriti Mandhana
The southpaw from India is next on the list having accumulated 696 runs at a stellar average of 49.71 and a strike rate of 81.21 this year. Scoring a solitary century and six half centuries, 2022 has been an interesting year for her. She has been in prolific form at the top of the order with Shafali Varma and will be looking to score crucial runs for India in the coming year as well. Consistency is key and she will be eager to take India across the finish line on any given opportunity.
Special mention to Amelia Kerr who continues to inspire and is an icon, already at 22. She is 6th on the list and has scored 676 runs at 56.33 and an amazing strike rate of 84.5. She has also scored a century and four fifties this year while scalping 17 wickets proving her worth as a genuine all-rounder. Considering the tumultuous years she had in 2021 and 2022 dealing with anxiety and depression, her comeback to mainstream cricket has been nothing short of a fairytale.
I am a first year postgraduate student pursuing a MA in Media and Communication Studies at Christ University, Bengaluru. I am a podcaster, blogger and an avid cricket fan. When not glued to cricket matches, you can find me submerged in books and thinking about cricket all the time.