ICC is giving awards to players for their best performances in 2024. In the meantime, the Women’s ICC Player of the Year has been announced. ICC has awarded this title to Smriti Mandhana. The left-handed opening batter had an outstanding performance in ODI cricket in 2024, scoring a huge number of runs. Throughout the year, she not only improved her own game but also played big innings consistently against top-level teams.
Outstanding Performance in 2024
Smriti Mandhana had an excellent performance in 2024. In June, she scored two centuries in the series against South Africa, helping India win 3-0. Later, in October, a crucial century against New Zealand boosted her morale, and in December, she scored a challenging century against Australia in Perth, showing her consistency. Mandhana scored 747 runs in 13 matches in 2024, which was her best career performance. She became the highest run-scorer in ODI cricket that year, with Laura Wolvaardt (697), Tammy Beaumont (554), and Hayley Matthews (469) following her. Mandhana had an impressive average of 57.86 and a strike rate of 95.15, giving India’s top order an aggressive direction. She also set a new record in women’s cricket by scoring four centuries in 2024. Additionally, she hit 95 fours and six sixes in ODI matches that year.
Outstanding Batting Against This Team
In addition, Mandhana had a brilliant performance in the ICC Women’s Championship, scoring 1358 runs in 24 matches, finishing at the top of the run-scorer’s list. She is one of only five players to reach four figures in this competition. Mandhana’s most memorable performance of the year came in December when she scored 105 runs against Australia in Perth. Although India lost the match, Mandhana’s century gave a tough challenge to Australia’s strong bowling attack. She hit 14 fours and one six, scoring 105 runs off 109 balls in her innings.
