The ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 has been unveiled, and two Indian cricket stars, Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma, have secured their spots among the best in the world. These two players have left an indelible mark on the 50-over format, showcasing exceptional skill and consistency in 2024. Let’s dive deeper into their remarkable achievements and how they made history.
Smriti Mandhana: India’s Leading Run-Scorer Shines Bright in 2024
Smriti Mandhana, India’s star opening batter, has been a consistent powerhouse in Women’s ODIs. Her inclusion in the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 is a testament to her incredible form over the past year.
Mandhana finished 2024 as the highest run-scorer in Women’s ODIs, amassing a staggering 747 runs in just 13 matches. Her remarkable consistency, including notable performances against Ireland, earned her a significant rise in the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings, where she currently sits at second place. She scored a brilliant 135 runs in the third ODI against Ireland and followed it up with solid contributions in the first two matches with scores of 41 and 73.
In her ODI career, Mandhana has played 97 matches, amassing 4,209 runs at an impressive average of 46.2. With 10 centuries and 30 half-centuries, she has solidified her place as one of the top batters in the world. Her highest score in ODIs is 136, a true reflection of her class and ability to dominate the game.
Mandhana has also excelled in Test matches, with 629 runs in 7 Tests, including a highest score of 149. In T20Is, she has scored 3,761 runs in 148 matches, maintaining a solid strike rate of 123.3. Her consistent performances have made her a strong contender for the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024 award.
Deepti Sharma: The All-Rounder Who Dominates with Bat and Ball
Alongside Mandhana, Deepti Sharma has been a pivotal figure in India’s success in the 50-over format. As an all-rounder, Deepti’s contribution with both bat and ball has been instrumental, and her inclusion in the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 highlights her outstanding performances throughout 2024.
In the 13 ODIs she played in 2024, Deepti scored 186 runs and claimed 24 wickets. Her all-round brilliance was on full display as she began the year with a match-winning performance against Australia and capped it with another sensational display against the West Indies in December.
Deepti has an impressive ODI career, with 1,101 runs and 130 wickets in 101 matches. Her highest score in ODIs is 188, and her best bowling figure is an outstanding 6/20. Additionally, she has played 5 Tests, amassing 319 runs and taking 20 wickets. In T20Is, Deepti has scored 1,086 runs and taken 138 wickets, making her one of the most versatile players in women’s cricket.
A Look at the Full ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year 2024
Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma’s inclusion in the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 places them among some of the most prominent names in women’s cricket. Here is the full list of the 11 players who made the cut:
- Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) – South Africa
- Chamari Athapaththu – Sri Lanka
- Hayley Matthews – West Indies
- Marizanne Kapp – South Africa
- Ashleigh Gardner – Australia
- Annabel Sutherland – Australia
- Amy Jones (WK) – England
- Sophie Ecclestone – England
- Kate Cross – England
- Smriti Mandhana – India
- Deepti Sharma – India
The Significance of the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year
The ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year honors players who have made significant contributions in the format over the last 12 months. The selected players are recognized for their consistent performances, match-winning abilities, and overall impact on their respective teams.
Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma’s inclusion is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the growing strength of Indian women’s cricket on the global stage. These two players have consistently excelled and played a crucial role in India’s success in Women’s ODIs.
Final Thoughts
As India continues to produce top-tier cricketers, Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma’s place in the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year 2024 is a testament to their talent, hard work, and commitment to the game. Both players have shown incredible skill and determination, elevating Indian women’s cricket to new heights. Their achievements have earned them the recognition they truly deserve, and it will be exciting to see how they continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.
Whether you are a cricket enthusiast or someone who follows women’s sports, Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma’s performances this year are a reminder of the power and potential of Indian women cricketers on the world stage. Their journey is one to watch as they continue to break barriers and set new records.
