Smriti Mandhana Wins ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024 Award

Add as a preferred source on Google

Indian batting sensation Smriti Mandhana had a stellar 2024 in One Day Internationals (ODIs), emerging as the standout performer in women's cricket, which helped her to win the Women's ODI Cricketer Of The Year.

The left-handed opener dazzled with her consistency, scoring runs in style against some of the strongest teams in the world and rewriting several records along the way.

Mandhana's ability to shine against top-tier opposition was one of the key highlights of her year. She kicked off her campaign in June with back-to-back centuries, propelling India to a commanding 3-0 series victory over South Africa. Her form continued to soar as she delivered a decisive century in the series-decider against New Zealand in October. Mandhana capped the year with a gutsy hundred in December against Australia at Perth, standing tall against one of the most formidable bowling attacks in the game.

Leading Run-Scorer in Women's ODIs

Mandhana reached new personal milestones in 2024, scoring a career-best 747 runs in just 13 innings. Her exceptional tally made her the leading run-scorer in women's ODIs for the year, surpassing notable names like South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt (697), England's Tammy Beaumont (554), and West Indies' Hayley Matthews (469).

What stood out even more was Mandhana's remarkable consistency. She averaged an impressive 57.86 while maintaining an attacking strike rate of 95.15, setting the tone for India's top order. Her ability to find the boundary was unmatched, hitting 95 fours and six sixes during the year, and she also etched her name into the record books by scoring four centuries in a single calendar year - a new benchmark in women's ODI cricket.

Dominance in the ICC Women's Championship

Mandhana's phenomenal form also cemented her place at the top of the ICC Women's Championship run-scorers list. The competition, which determines qualification for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, saw her amass 1358 runs in 24 matches - over 100 runs clear of her nearest competitor, Laura Wolvaardt.

The Perth Masterclass

Among Mandhana's many memorable innings, her knock of 105 against Australia in Perth stood out as one of the finest displays of the year. Despite India losing the match, Mandhana showcased her class and composure against the world's top-ranked team on a challenging WACA pitch.

In a match where most of her teammates struggled, Mandhana carried India's innings on her shoulders. Her 105 off 109 balls included 14 boundaries and a six, while the rest of the Indian lineup collectively managed just seven boundaries. Facing relentless pressure as wickets tumbled around her, Mandhana not only resisted the Australian attack but also counter-attacked, keeping India in the hunt.

A Year to Remember

Smriti Mandhana's exploits in 2024 have further solidified her status as one of the finest batters in women's cricket. Her ability to deliver under pressure, dominate high-quality opposition, and set new benchmarks is a testament to her class and determination. With the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 on the horizon, Mandhana's red-hot form is sure to be a key factor in India's quest for glory.