The ICC Women’s T20 Team of the Year 2024 is announced, reflecting an increasing representation of Indian women cricketers in the broader women’s cricketing world. Three Indian cricketing stars are part of this elite squad of 11: Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and Deepti Sharma. Throughout 2024, their magnificent cricketing display helped the team move up, placing them with the best T20 women’s teams.
Indian Cricketers Lead the Charge
Indian cricket continues to shine on the world scene, with Mandhana, Ghosh, and Sharma being highlighted across formats. Their selection into the **ICC Women’s T20 Team of the Year stands testament to India’s increasing relevance in women’s cricket. Additionally, Mandhana and Deepti Sharma were also selected into the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year 2024, solidifying their stands as some of the best players at international levels.
Smriti Mandhana: A Year of Unstoppable Brilliance
Smriti Mandhana, one of India’s most formidable openers, had a standout year in 2024. From the very beginning of the year, Mandhana’s batting was electric—starting with a sparkling 54 against Australia. She ended the year on a high, scoring three consecutive half-centuries during India’s series against the West Indies at home. Mandhana scored 763 runs in 23 matches with a very neat average of 42.38 and a strike rate of 126.53. Eight half-centuries and the highest score of 77 runs helped her to top as one of the best and ended the year as the overall second-ranked batter in Women’s T20 International.
Richa Ghosh: The Explosive Force
Richa Ghosh, India’s explosive wicketkeeper-batter, made her mark with a very aggressive batting approach. Ghosh’s 64* off 29 balls against UAE early in 2024 reflected her ability to take the game by storm. In 21 matches, she scored 365 runs, with an average of 33.18, and showed a fantastic strike rate of 156.65. Her blistering knocks have etched her name as one of the most exciting emerging talents for India.
Deepti Sharma: The All-Round Dynamo
Deepti Sharma’s contribution in 2024 was felt not only with the bat but also with the ball. As a key all-rounder, Deepti was at the heart of India’s success, especially with her off-spin bowling. She took 30 wickets in 2024 at an impressive average of 17.80, with an economy rate of 6.01. Her consistent and game-changing performances, including three-wicket hauls against Nepal and Pakistan in the Asia Cup, were pivotal in India’s victories.
Laura Wolvaardt: Leading from the Front
The South African batter and captain Laura Wolvaardt leads the ICC Women’s T20 Team of the Year 2024. She had a fantastic year, not only as a player but also as a leader. Under her leadership, South Africa won many crucial matches, including a match against Australia in Canberra, where she scored an unbeaten 58 off 53 balls. Wolvaardt’s batting efforts catapulted her to the fifth position in the ICC T20 International rankings, and she was thus appointed as the captain of the All-Star T20 Team.
A World-Class Lineup of International Talents
Though Indian players dominate the team, the team also features several international cricketing stars.
– Marizanne Kapp (South Africa) made her mark with both bat and ball. She played a pivotal role with a brilliant 75 against Australia and a 57 against India in Chennai. Kapp was also impressed with the ball, taking 11 wickets across various matches.
Chamari Atapattu, the Sri Lanka captain, was included based on her brilliant leadership and batting skills. She played a vital role in Sri Lanka’s victory in the Women’s Asia Cup when she scored two centuries, including a match-winning 119* in the final against India.
– The team also comprises Hayley Matthews of West Indies, Nat Sciver-Brunt of England, and Amelia Kerr of Australia, all of whom had very great years. Kerr was the Player of the Tournament at the T20 World Cup. She took 29 wickets in 18 games at an average of 15.55.
– Orla Prendergast from Ireland and Sadia Iqbal from Pakistan complete the list, both of whom have played a significant role for their respective teams with their all-round skills.
Full ICC Women’s T20 Team of the Year 2024
1. Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) – South Africa
2. Marizanne Kapp – South Africa
3. Smriti Mandhana – India
4. Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper) – India
5. Deepti Sharma – India
6. Chamari Atapattu – Sri Lanka
7. Hayley Matthews – West Indies
8. Nat Sciver-Brunt – England
9. Amelia Kerr – Australia
10. Orla Prendergast – Ireland
11. Sadia Iqbal – Pakistan
A Team Built on Talent and Consistency
The ICC Women’s T20 Team of the Year 2024 is testimony to the fact that women’s cricket has a lot of diverse and exceptional talent. India does see the dominance of Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and Deepti Sharma, who have led this pace for India in getting on the international stage because of consistent and outstanding performances.
As the world of women’s cricket continues to evolve, this team stands as a testament to the immense talent and skill that is being showcased on the global stage, with Laura Wolvaardt leading the charge at the helm. The year 2024 has clearly been a breakthrough year for women’s cricket, with rising stars and established players alike making their mark across the world.
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