India dominated the ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year 2024, with three players—Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and Deepti Sharma—earning spots in the prestigious lineup. India had the most representatives among all nations, showcasing their strength in the shortest format. South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt was appointed as the captain of the team, which also included players from Sri Lanka, England, West Indies, Australia, Ireland, and Pakistan.
Smriti Mandhana’s Stellar Year
Smriti Mandhana continued to prove her class in T20Is throughout 2024. The left-handed opener began the year with a crucial 54 against Australia at DY Patil Stadium, setting the tone for a remarkable season. She ended the year with three consecutive half-centuries against the West Indies, further solidifying her position as one of the most consistent batters in the format.
Her brilliant performances saw her climb to the second spot in the ICC Women’s T20I Batting Rankings, reflecting her impact at the international level.
Richa Ghosh’s Explosive Batting
Wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh made headlines for her aggressive approach with the bat. She showcased her power-hitting abilities with an unbeaten 64 off just 29 balls against the UAE in Dambulla at an extraordinary strike rate of 220.68. Ghosh maintained an impressive strike rate of 156.65 in 2024 and delivered another rapid fifty, smashing 54 off 21 balls against the West Indies.
Deepti Sharma’s All-Round Brilliance
All-rounder Deepti Sharma played a pivotal role for India with both bat and ball. The 27-year-old claimed 30 wickets in T20Is at an average of 17.80 and an economy rate of 6.01. Her standout performances included 3/13 against Nepal in Dambulla and 3/20 against Pakistan in the Women’s Asia Cup. Deepti’s reliability as a bowler and her ability to deliver under pressure cemented her place in the team.
Laura Wolvaardt Leads from the Front
South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, the captain of the ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year, had an outstanding year. Her composed knock of 58 not out against Australia in Canberra highlighted her leadership qualities. Wolvaardt finished 2024 as one of the top-ranked batters in the world, holding the No. 5 spot in the ICC Women’s T20I Batting Rankings.
Wolvaardt was joined by her compatriot Marizanne Kapp, who excelled as an all-rounder. Kapp scored vital half-centuries, including a 75 against Australia and 57 against India, while also taking 11 wickets with her seam bowling.
Global Stars in the XI
Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu earned her spot after leading her team to victory in the Women’s Asia Cup, where she scored two centuries, including an unbeaten 119 in the final against India. West Indies’ Hayley Matthews, England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Australia’s Melie Kerr also made significant contributions throughout the year.
Kerr, the Player of the Tournament in Australia’s T20 World Cup win, claimed 29 wickets at an average of 15.55, with a standout performance of 4/26 against Australia. Ireland’s Orla Prendergast and Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal completed the lineup with notable performances in 2024.
ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year 2024:
Laura Wolvaardt (c), Marizanne Kapp (South Africa); Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma (India); Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka); Hayley Matthews (West Indies); Nat Sciver-Brunt (England); Melie Kerr (Australia); Orla Prendergast (Ireland); Sadia Iqbal (Pakistan).
