The curtains of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 closed with New Zealand claiming the champion’s title, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament’s history. In a celebration of cricketing prowess, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament has been announced, featuring a remarkable mix of talent drawn from seven different participating teams.
Amelia Kerr of New Zealand was honored with both the Player of the Match in the final and the Player of the Tournament trophy, a testament to her exceptional performance throughout the event. Her all-around contributions with bat and ball were instrumental in New Zealand’s victory, etching her name in the annals of cricket history.
The team was captained by South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who claimed the spotlight as the tournament’s highest run-scorer with her consistent batting displays. Wolvaardt’s captaincy skills and batting prowess earned her the position of captain of the Team of the Tournament, making her one of the standout performers.
Another significant milestone was achieved by South African left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, who became the first South African woman to clinch double figures in wickets during a single ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Her feat reflects the burgeoning depth and skill in the South African women’s cricket team.
From the Australian camp, Megan Schutt made her presence felt, becoming the highest wicket-taker in the history of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, amassing a total of 48 wickets. Schutt’s consistency and lethal bowling have been a game-changer for her team throughout various editions of the tournament.
West Indies’ Deandra Dottin shone brightly as well, demonstrating her all-round capabilities by scoring 120 runs, taking five wickets, and smashing nine sixes over the course of the competition. Her explosive performances often swayed matches in her team’s favor.
Representing Bangladesh’s cricketing finesse, Nigar Sultana juggled dual roles – showcasing her leadership qualities as captain and impressing with her batting skills, while also taking up the gloves as the wicketkeeper in the team.
India’s Harmanpreet Kaur was the linchpin of the batting line-up, boasting an incredible tournament average of 150. Kaur, who was dismissed only once across four innings, was the exemplification of consistency and resilience at the crease.
The Team of the Tournament embodied the spirit and excellence of the competition. The team included batting talents Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, and the all-rounder might of Amelia Kerr, alongside Harmanpreet Kaur and Deandra Dottin. Behind the stumps, Nigar Sultana took up the gloves and the team’s bowling strength was represented by Afy Fletcher, Rosemary Mair, Megan Schutt, and Nonkululeko Mlaba. Eden Carson was named the 12th player, ready to contribute when called upon.
This assembly of cricketers not only signifies the high caliber of talent present across the different nations but also the growing competitiveness in women’s cricket. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 may have ended, but the performances and stories of these players will resonate and inspire numerous budding cricketers around the globe.
