As the new year beckons, it is that time of the year when we get to know the nominations for prestigious ICC awards.
We saw cricket returning to the Commonwealth games this year as 8 nations competed in the event. Australia won the gold medal while India got the silver medal. New Zealand finished third and took home the bronze medal. The matches were played in the T20 format. So we saw some exhilarating T20 action in the year with players giving their best in the important event.
We also saw some riveting T20I series that caught the attention of the cricket world. The recently-concluded India-Australia T20I series is one such example. Quite a few players impressed in the T20I circuit this year and ICC named the four nominees for the prestigious Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award.
Smriti Mandhana (India)
The swashbuckling Indian opener is pleasing to the eyes with her stylish array of strokes. She has been the epitome of consistency and forged a formidable opening partnership alongside Shefali Verma. In 23 matches she played this year, the Mumbaikar managed to amass 594 runs with five half-centuries to her name. She is a vital cog in India’s setup in all three formats now.
Nida Dar (Pakistan)
Usually a fun-loving character, Nida Dar can up the ante on the field with both the bat and ball. She is the first and only Pakistani bowler to take 100 T20I wickets. She has been an inspirational player for the women in green. The 35-year-old used all her experience and can change the situation of a match in the blink of an eye with both the bat and ball. The Shahid Afridi fan scored 396 runs in 16 matches and also scalped 15 wickets.
Sophie Devine (New Zealand)
The inspirational captain of the White Ferns needs no introduction whatsoever. She is currently ranked No. 1 in the ICC Women’s T20I player rankings. The 33-year-old who also represented New Zealand in field hockey has scored 389 runs in 14 encounters and also sent 13 batters back to the dugout.
Tahlia McGrath (Australia)
The tall all-rounder has turned out to be one of the most potent weapons in the Aussie setup. She has been on a roll ever since her debut in October 2021. McGrath is currently at the top of the rankings for Women’s T20I batters. With the ball, she is a reliable customer as well. In 16 matches, she has scored 435 runs and taken 13 wickets.
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