The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently unveiled the Women’s ODI Team of the Year for 2024, and the list featured two prominent Indian cricketers: Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma. The announcement on January 24 celebrated the outstanding performances of women cricketers over the past year, and both Mandhana and Sharma stood out for their impressive contributions to India’s cricketing success. Mandhana was named one of the opening batters alongside South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who also took on the responsibility of captaining the team.
Smriti Mandhana’s selection in the team came after a remarkable 2024 season, where she finished as the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs. In 13 matches, Mandhana accumulated a total of 747 runs at an average of 57.46, which included four centuries and three half-centuries. Her consistency with the bat made her a key player for India, and she etched her name in the record books by becoming the Indian cricketer with the most centuries in women’s ODIs, surpassing the legendary Mithali Raj’s tally of seven centuries with a record-breaking 10 centuries. Mandhana’s contribution to the team was invaluable, and her name also appeared on the list of nominees for the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year, alongside Laura Wolvaardt, Annabel Sutherland of Australia, and Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu.
Alongside Mandhana, Deepti Sharma was another Indian cricketer to be included in the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year. Deepti’s remarkable all-round performances in 2024 earned her a spot in the team. Over the course of 13 matches, the spin all-rounder contributed significantly with both bat and ball. She scored 186 runs from 10 innings at an average of 31, while also being one of the top wicket-takers in the format. Deepti claimed 24 wickets from 12 innings, with an impressive average of 19.83 and an economy rate of 4.49. She also achieved a notable feat by recording a five-wicket haul during the year, underscoring her impact in all departments of the game.
The captaincy of the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year went to South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who had a brilliant year with the bat. Wolvaardt scored 697 runs in 12 innings, averaging a stellar 87.12. She notched up three centuries and as many fifties, making her a crucial part of South Africa’s success in the format. Wolvaardt’s consistent and match-winning performances earned her the honor of leading the team, and her leadership qualities were highlighted as she guided South Africa through another impressive year.
The middle-order of the team features a diverse mix of all-rounders who excelled in both batting and bowling. Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu, West Indies’ Hayley Matthews, and South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp all played crucial roles for their respective teams and made valuable contributions to the team’s success in the format. Their ability to impact the game with both bat and ball made them indispensable choices for the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year.
The team also includes some of the best all-rounders in the game. Australian duo Ashleigh Gardner and Annabel Sutherland were picked for their outstanding performances, with both players contributing to Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket. England’s Amy Jones was selected as the wicketkeeper for her consistent performances behind the stumps and with the bat. England’s Sophie Ecclestone, known for her exceptional spin bowling, was also included in the team, adding strength to the bowling attack. Joining Ecclestone was England’s Kate Cross, whose fast bowling played a key role in England’s success throughout the year.
The inclusion of these players in the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year reflects their exceptional talent and their consistent performances over the course of the year. The team brings together a blend of experienced players and rising stars, all of whom made their mark in women’s cricket in 2024. Their contributions to the game have set new benchmarks and have been instrumental in shaping the direction of women’s cricket in recent years.
The ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year for 2024 comprises:
- Smriti Mandhana (India)
- Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) (captain)
- Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)
- Hayley Matthews (West Indies)
- Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)
- Ashleigh Gardner (Australia)
- Annabel Sutherland (Australia)
- Amy Jones (England) (wicketkeeper)
- Deepti Sharma (India)
- Sophie Ecclestone (England)
- Kate Cross (England)
This selection highlights the growing strength and quality of women’s cricket globally, with players from different nations coming together to showcase their skills, determination, and passion for the game.
