Smriti Mandhana has done it again! The best cricket player in India was named the 2024 ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year. The International Cricket Council (ICC) made the news on Monday due to her exceptional performance and consistency throughout the season. Let’s examine how Mandhana captivated the cricket community and earned this prestigious prize. Thank you.
An Unforgettable Year
Mandhana had an amazing ODI performance this year. She has repeatedly shown why she is among the greatest in the game by standing her ground against some of the most formidable sides in international cricket. She stood out from her peers because of her capacity to step up and perform when it counted most.
It’s the charm the second time.
Did you know that this is Smriti Mandhana’s second time winning this honor? Six years after winning the title the first time in 2018, she has now done it again. She defeated formidable opponents like South African Laura Wolvaardt, Australian Annabel Sutherland, and Sri Lankan Chamari Athapaththu to win the prize this time. What a difficult competition!
Getting the Year Started Correctly Mandana rapidly made a name for herself in 2024. She dominated back-to-back hundreds against South Africa to start the year. These outstanding accomplishments marked the beginning of a year unlike any other. Her ability to effortlessly control outstanding bowling attacks astounded both critics and fans.
Ascending to the Occasion
Throughout the year, the southpaw maintained her scorching form. She led India to a historic victory in the series decider against New Zealand in October with a vital century. She didn’t stop there, though.
Opposition to Australia for a Century
It’s challenging to play Australia, the reigning ODI World Cup champions. However, Mandhana’s century in Perth caught everyone off guard. India lost despite her amazing efforts. Nonetheless, her performance was hailed as a masterpiece of skill and tenacity by cricket analysts worldwide.
A Year Unlike Any Other
The 2024 statistics for Smriti Mandhana are very impressive. In just 13 innings, she amassed 747 runs, the most she has ever scored in a single year. With this amazing achievement, she surpassed South African Laura Wolvaardt (697 runs), Englishwoman Tammy Beaumont (554 runs), and West Indies’ Hayley Matthews (469 runs) to become the year’s top run scorer.
Amazing Statistics
Here is a brief overview of her numbers:
- Total Runs: 747
- Average: 57.86
- Strike Rate: 95.15
- Centuries: 4
- Boundaries: Over 100, including 95 fours and 6 sixes
Mandhana’s consistency and aggression ensured that she was the backbone of India’s batting lineup throughout the year.
Four Centuries in One Year
Creating records has become second nature for Smriti Mandhana. She smashed four centuries in ODIs this year—a new record in women’s cricket. One of her standout innings was the scintillating 105 against Australia in December, where she struck 14 boundaries and a six. She was so dominant in that match that her colleagues only managed seven boundaries between them.
Finishing Strong
For Smriti Mandhana, December 2024 was yet another successful month. In the three-match series against the West Indies, she scored 91, 53, and 4 runs, hitting two half-centuries. Her class and versatility were demonstrated by her ability to adjust to various bowlers and conditions.
Acquiring Membership in the Elite Club
On the same day, Afghanistan’s all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai received the 2024 ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award. Together, they represent all the best attributes that cricket has to offer.
What Makes Smriti Mandhana Special?
So what is special about Mandhana? Her ability to score runs consistently is beyond her talent level. It’s her ability to lead both on and off the pitch, play with fearlessness, and execute effectively under pressure. She provides women’s cricket in India and outside hope and serves as an inspiration to prospective players.
Read More: West Indies vs Pakistan, Historic Tail-End Triumph: A Series to Remember
Conclusion
Smriti Mandhana’s 2024 journey can be summed up as a story of excellence, perseverance, and resolve. She is not just a talented musician but also an inspiration. Her achievements have enhanced women’s cricket and increased India’s international recognition. Her achievements have us ecstatic, and we can’t wait to see what else she can do for us.
