Smriti Mandhana Named ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024
India’s star batter Smriti Mandhana is the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024. She had a dominant year in the 50-over format. The left-handed opener scored 747 runs in 13 matches. He topped the charts with a 57.86 average and a 95.15 strike rate.
Mandhana’s year was remarkable. She scored four centuries, a new record in women’s ODIs. Her ability to perform against top teams made her one of the best in the world.
Outstanding ODI Record in 2024
In 2024, Mandhana set a career high in One Day Internationals. She scored more runs than in any other year.
- 2024 ODI Stats:
- Matches: 13
- Runs: 747
- Average: 57.86
- Strike Rate: 95.15
- Centuries: 4 (a record in women’s ODIs)
- Fours: 95
- Sixes: 6
Her 747 runs made her the top scorer in women’s ODIs for the year. She beat Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa (697), Tammy Beaumont of England (554), and Hayley Matthews of the West Indies (469).
Memorable Performances Against Top Opposition
In 2024, Mandhana excelled against top opponents. She often delivered under pressure in tough conditions.
Key Highlights from 2024:
- June 2024: Back-to-back centuries against South Africa powered India to a 3-0 series win.
- October 2024: A match-winning hundred in the series decider against New Zealand.
- December 2024: A defiant 105 against Australia at the WACA in Perth.
Standout Century Against Australia
In December, Mandhana played her best innings of the year. It was against the world’s top-ranked team, Australia, at the WACA in Perth. Against one of the fiercest bowling attacks, Mandhana stood tall. She made a stunning 105 off 109 balls.
Key Stats from the Innings:
- Runs: 105 (14 fours, 1 six)
- Strike Rate: 96.33
- Team’s Next Highest Score: 39
In a game where the Indian lineup struggled, Mandhana was the lone warrior. She scored over half of India’s total runs. Her 14 boundaries showed her intent, despite the wickets falling at the other end.
Record-Breaking Year in ICC Women’s Championship
Mandhana’s consistency made her a star in the ICC Women’s Championship. It was the qualifier for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
ICC Women’s Championship Stats (2024):
- Matches: 24
- Runs: 1,358
- Leading Run-Scorer (100+ runs ahead of 2nd place Laura Wolvaardt)
Her performances helped India rise in the points table. She became one of only five players to score over 1,000 runs in the competition.
Legacy of Excellence in 2024
Smriti Mandhana’s 2024 will be remembered for her brilliance in women’s ODI cricket. She deserves the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award. She can perform under pressure and score centuries against the best teams. She also leads India’s top order with an aggressive style.
As India readies for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, Mandhana’s form and leadership will be key.
