Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma named in ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year

With 697 runs at an average of 87.12 at the end of the year, including a national record 184 not out against Sri Lanka in April, South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt leads the line for the ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year and does so as the opener after another historic year with the bat.

Wolvaardt’s opening partner, Smriti Mandhana of India, is the only player to surpass her run total.

During the calendar year, she amassed 747 runs and four hundreds against Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu, whose undefeated 195 in a thrilling chase against South Africa capped off her year in the 50-over game, is starting in the elite middle-order. In 2024, Hayley Matthews, a fellow all-rounder from the West Indies, took nine wickets and amassed 469 runs at an average of 78.16, adding a lot of firepower to the lineup.

Ash Gardner and Annabel Sutherland, both from Australia, provide more batting and bowling options, while Marizanne Kapp, a formidable all-rounder from South Africa, secures a spot after 449 runs and 11 wickets this season. After 269 runs and 20 wickets this year, Gardner is ranked first in the Women’s ODI All-Rounder Rankings, and Sutherland finished a strong season by winning Player of the Series against India and New Zealand in December.

Amy Jones, who plays for England, had a fantastic season, scoring 382 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 107.60.

Deepti Sharma of India, the 2024 top wicket-taker (24), Sophie Ecclestone of England, the top-ranked bowler, who took 21 wickets at 12.71, and her countrywoman Kate Cross, who took 19 wickets at an average of 18.00 and had the best bowling figures of the year, including a six for 30 against Ireland in September, round out the starters.

ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year

Smriti Mandhana (India), Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) (c), Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka), Hayley Matthews (West Indies), Marizanne Kapp (South Africa), Ash Gardner (Australia), Annabel Sutherland (Australia), Amy Jones (England) (wk), Deepti Sharma (India), Sophie Ecclestone (England), Kate Cross (England)