Dubai – India’s Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and Deepti Sharma have been named in the ICC Women’s T20 Team of the Year 2024 for their exceptional performances throughout the year. The team, led by South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, features three Indian players alongside representatives from Sri Lanka, West Indies, England, New Zealand, Ireland, and Pakistan.
Smriti Mandhana: A Year of Consistency
Smriti Mandhana began 2024 on a high note with a brilliant 54-run knock against Australia at the DY Patil Stadium. Her consistent performances continued throughout the year, culminating in three consecutive half-centuries against West Indies on home soil. These contributions solidified her status as one of the most dependable batters in the T20 format.
Mandhana’s exceptional run helped her secure the No. 2 spot in the ICC Women’s T20 batting rankings, underscoring her dominance in the shortest format.
Richa Ghosh: The Aggressive Power-Hitter
Richa Ghosh showcased her aggressive batting prowess, becoming a vital force for India in T20s. Known for her explosive style, Ghosh delivered some scintillating performances, including an unbeaten 64* off 29 balls against the UAE in Dambulla at an incredible strike rate of 220.68.
In 2024, the wicketkeeper-batter maintained an impressive strike rate of 156.65, highlighted by a rapid 21-ball 54 against West Indies at the DY Patil Stadium. Her ability to dominate the bowlers in crunch situations earned her a well-deserved spot in the ICC Women’s T20 Team of the Year.
Deepti Sharma: The All-Rounder Extraordinaire
Deepti Sharma continued to be India’s cornerstone in T20s with her all-round brilliance. As a bowler, she picked up 30 wickets in 2024 at an impressive average of 17.80 and an economy rate of just 6.01.
Her standout performances included a spell of 3/13 against Nepal in Dambulla and a match-winning 3/20 against Pakistan during the Women’s Asia Cup. With both bat and ball, Deepti’s contributions were instrumental in India’s success, further cementing her spot in the T20 Team of the Year.
Indian Stars in the ODI Team of the Year
Mandhana and Deepti Sharma also found a place in the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year 2024, which is again led by Laura Wolvaardt.
Other Key Performers in the ICC Women’s T20 Team of the Year
- Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa): 673 runs in 2024, leading from the front.
- Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka): Topped the charts with 720 runs.
- Hayley Matthews (West Indies): Scored 538 runs and contributed with her all-round skills.
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (England): Scored 423 runs in 2024.
- Amelia Kerr (New Zealand): All-round brilliance with 387 runs and 29 wickets.
- Marizanne Kapp (South Africa): Scored 399 runs and picked 11 wickets.
- Orla Prendergast (Ireland): Delivered with 544 runs and 21 wickets.
- Sadia Iqbal (Pakistan): A key bowler with 30 wickets in 2024.
This year’s ICC Women’s T20 Team of the Year reflects a balance of experience and emerging talent, showcasing the global growth of women’s cricket. India’s three representatives highlight the nation’s strong presence in international cricket and set the stage for more remarkable achievements in 2025.
