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On Friday, January 24, the International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year 2024, celebrating the finest talents in women’s cricket. The team features exceptional players who dominated the One Day International (ODI) format in 2024 with their consistent and extraordinary performances. Among the stars, India’s Smriti Mandhana has earned a place in the lineup for her stellar contributions throughout the year.
Smriti Mandhana shines bright in 2024
Indian opener Mandhana, currently ranked second in the ICC Women’s ODI batting rankings, has been included in the team for her outstanding form in 2024. Playing 13 matches, Mandhana amassed an impressive 747 runs, including four centuries and three half-centuries. This remarkable tally marks her highest annual run total in ODIs, solidifying her reputation as one of the world’s best batters.
Joining Mandhana in the prestigious lineup is Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma, whose all-round brilliance made her an indispensable player in 2024. Deepti played 13 matches, scoring 186 runs and taking an impressive 24 wickets. Her consistent performances have elevated her to fourth in the ICC Women’s ODI bowling rankings and sixth in the all-rounder rankings.
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Global stars in the lineup: Laura Wolvaardt names a captain
South African batting sensation Laura Wolvaardt has been named captain of the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year. Ranked first in the ICC Women’s ODI batting rankings, Wolvaardt scored 697 runs in 2024, demonstrating her leadership on and off the field. Her consistency and skill make her a fitting choice to lead this elite team.
The team also features several other world-class players who excelled in 2024:
- Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka): The dynamic all-rounder scored 458 runs and claimed 9 wickets in just nine matches, showcasing her versatility.
- Hayley Matthews (West Indies): Matthews contributed significantly with 469 runs and 9 wickets in 7 matches, reaffirming her status as a key player for her team.
- Marizanne Kapp (South Africa): The experienced all-rounder scored 449 runs and took 11 wickets in 12 matches, further cementing her legacy in the sport.
- Ashleigh Gardner (Australia): Ranked first in the ICC Women’s ODI all-rounder rankings, Gardner impressed with 269 runs and 20 wickets in 12 matches.
- Annabel Sutherland (Australia): Another standout performer for Australia, Sutherland scored 369 runs and took 13 wickets in 2024.
- Amy Jones (England): The wicket-keeper batter was a force behind the stumps, dismissing 15 players (12 catches and 3 stumpings) in 12 matches.
- Sophie Ecclestone (England): The left-arm spinner, ranked first in the ICC Women’s ODI bowling rankings, claimed 21 wickets in 11 matches.
- Kate Cross (England): The medium-fast bowler played 13 matches and took 19 wickets, further strengthening England’s bowling attack.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
