Sadia Iqbal Included In ICC Women’s T20I Team Of The Year 2024

DUBAI: The ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year for 2024 has been announced, highlighting exceptional players from all departments who showcased outstanding performances throughout the calendar year. 

One notable inclusion is a Pakistan bowler, marking a significant achievement for the team.

The year was particularly memorable for several players, starting with South African captain Laura Wolvaardt, whose remarkable consistency in the shortest format stood out. 

She led her team to victory against Australia in Canberra with a blistering 58* off 53 balls and followed it up with a stunning century, scoring 102 off 63 balls against Sri Lanka. 

Smriti Mandhana of India also had a standout year, starting with an impressive 54 against Australia at DY Patil Stadium. 

She continued her fine form throughout the year, ending with three consecutive half-centuries against the West Indies, solidifying her position as the No. 2 batter in the ICC Women’s T20I Batting Rankings.

Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu had an exceptional year, leading her team to the Women’s Asia Cup title in July. 

Her performances included a memorable century against Scotland and several crucial innings in the final against India, where Sri Lanka emerged victorious. 

Athapaththu also excelled with the ball, claiming 21 wickets at an average of 16.80, including a match-winning performance of 4/29 against the West Indies.

Hayley Matthews of the West Indies continued her strong all-round form, starting with two consecutive half-centuries against Pakistan. 

Matthews capped off her year with an unbeaten 85* against India, helping her team secure a dominant nine-wicket victory. 

As a result, she earned the top spot in the ICC Women’s T20I All-Rounder Rankings and the fourth position in the Batter Rankings.

England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt raised the bar with multiple blistering knocks, including 59 off 54 balls against South Africa and 67* off 43 balls in Benoni.

 She also claimed seven wickets across 16 matches, making vital contributions with both bat and ball.

New Zealand’s Melie Kerr enjoyed a career-defining year, claiming 29 wickets from 18 matches at an average of 15.55.

Kerr’s standout performance came in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, where she took 15 wickets and played a key role in New Zealand’s victory in the final. 

She is currently ranked second in the ICC Women’s T20I All-Rounder Rankings and sixth in the Bowling Rankings.

India’s wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh was explosive throughout the year, highlighted by her blistering 64* off 29 balls against UAE and a rapid 54 off 21 balls against the West Indies. 

Ghosh’s aggressive play earned her recognition as one of the most exciting players in the format.

South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp also made a mark, contributing with both bat and ball. Her best knock came against Australia, where she scored a brilliant 75 off 48 balls. 

Ismail’s all-round consistency earned her a spot in the ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year.

Ireland’s Orla Prendergast impressed with her all-round performances, scoring 544 runs at an average of 36.26 and taking 21 wickets. Her standout knock of 80 runs off 51 balls against England secured her place in the team.

Deepti Sharma of India had another consistent year, claiming 30 wickets at an average of 17.80, while also contributing with the bat. 

Her performances against Nepal and Pakistan in the Women’s Asia Cup were pivotal to her team’s success.

Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal was another key performer in 2024, making a significant impact with the ball. 

She finished the year with 30 wickets from 19 matches, including a career-best 4/16 against Sri Lanka. Her consistent performances earned her the second position in the ICC Women’s T20I Bowling Rankings.