ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer Of The Year 2023 – Who Are The Nominees?

After stiff competition among a lot of glittering stars in world cricket, the nominees for the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2023 have been named. The list witnessed Australia’s standout all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner and the dynamic New Zealand player Amelia Kerr leading the contenders. Joining Gardner and Kerr in the nominations are England’s experienced all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sri Lankan veteran Chamari Athapaththu.

How has their 2023 fared?

Amelia Kerr (New Zealand)

Continuing her stellar 50-over form from 2022, Amelia Kerr secured her second consecutive nomination for the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award in 2023. With 541 runs, 8 wickets and 3 catches in 9 matches, she has played an instrumental role for the White Ferns in any opportunity she got.

Despite New Zealand’s 2-1 series defeat to Sri Lanka in June-July, Kerr emerged as a shining performer. In the rain-reduced first match, she played a crucial role by top-scoring with 40 off 51 balls, contributing to New Zealand’s total of 170 in 28 overs. Kerr’s standout moment came in the series’ lone victory, where she notched a century and took a wicket. Partnering with captain Sophie Devine, Kerr orchestrated a remarkable 229-run stand, propelling her side to a formidable total of 329/7. Additionally, she kept things tight with the ball, registering figures of 10-1-34-1.

In September-October, New Zealand faced another 2-1 series loss, this time to South Africa. Kerr, once again, carried a significant load, showcasing her prowess with a fifty in the second ODI and a match-winning century in the third. Her impactful performances continued in New Zealand’s final ODI series of the year against Pakistan, where Kerr was named the Player of the Series. She contributed two fifties and clinched five wickets in the three-match series, further solidifying her standing as a top performer in women’s ODI cricket.

Ashleigh Gardner (Australia)

Ashleigh Gardner showcased a phenomenal all-round display for Australia in 2023, making significant contributions with both bat and ball as she secured 24 wickets, scored 188 runs and was successful in capturing 6 catches in 13 matches.

Consistently excelling, Gardner particularly stood out with the ball, leading the wicket charts in three out of Australia’s four bilateral series during the year. Commencing the year with a strong performance, she secured five wickets in the three-match ODI series against Pakistan in January. In the ODI leg of the Ashes series, Gardner continued her impressive form, claiming three wickets in each of the three matches while adding 95 runs to her tally.

Her standout performance against Ireland earned her the Player of the Series accolade, amassing four wickets and contributing 65 runs across two matches. Gardner further solidified her position as the highest wicket-taker in Women’s ODIs by securing three more wickets against the West Indies, concluding the year on a high note.

Beyond her prowess with the ball, Gardner played a pivotal role with the bat, showcasing versatility and determination as she accumulated runs with an impressive average of 31.33. Overall, her exceptional all-round performances underscored Gardner’s pivotal role in Australia’s success throughout the year.

Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)

Nominated across two other categories in the ICC Awards, 2023 was her year and the records literally speak for itself. In ODIs alone, she scored 415 runs and scalped 1 wicket in 8 matches. Chamari Athapaththu demonstrated exceptional skills and leadership in the ODI format throughout the year, excelling both as a captain and a player.

Starting the year as captain, Athapaththu led Sri Lanka to a 1-0 series win over Bangladesh in a rain-truncated contest. In the series decider, played as a 30-over-a-side game, the skipper played a pivotal role with a 60-ball 64, featuring 6 fours and 4 sixes, guiding Sri Lanka to a total of 186. Athapaththu’s all-round contribution extended to the ball, where she dismissed her counterpart and top-scorer Nigar Sultana, setting the stage for Sri Lanka’s victory.

Her standout moments as a player and captain occurred against New Zealand, where Sri Lanka secured their first-ever bilateral series win (2-1) over the White Ferns. Athapaththu played a crucial role in both victories, delivering fiery centuries (108* and 140*) in pressure situations, and guiding her team to triumph on both occasions.

However, her significance in the team was highlighted once more during the series against England, where Sri Lanka faced a 2-0 defeat on foreign soil. The team’s struggle was largely attributed to lean returns from the 33-year-old Athapaththu, emphasizing her crucial role in the squad. Athapaththu’s stellar performances and leadership showcased her pivotal impact on Sri Lanka’s ODI successes and time and again, underscored her importance to the team.

Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)

A consistent performer and a nominee for another ICC Award, Nat Sciver-Brunt had a very memorable 2023. Despite participating in only six matches in 2023, Nat Sciver-Brunt earned a spot on the ODI Player of the Year shortlist due to several standout performances. First up, she amassed 393 runs, pocketed 3 wickets and executed to perfection 2 catches in 6 matches.

Her significant contributions were notable in England’s triumph in the ODI leg of the Women’s Ashes, where Sciver-Brunt played a crucial role in the team’s 2-1 series victory. She notched up two centuries and also made an impact with the ball, picking up three wickets. Her outstanding all-around performance earned her the well-deserved title of Player of the Series.

In another remarkable display, the 31-year-old cricketer scored a fiery 74-ball 120 against Sri Lanka, featuring 18 fours and a six. This innings played a pivotal role as England secured a comprehensive 2-0 victory over the visitors, and Sciver-Brunt rightfully claimed the Player of the Match accolade. Despite her limited appearances, Sciver-Brunt’s exceptional performances showcased her prowess in ODIs, earning her recognition in the prestigious ODI Player of the Year shortlist.

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