The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled its Women’s Cricket World Cup Team of the Tournament, a selection that prominently features three players each from champions India and runners-up South Africa.
India’s outstanding trio includes dynamic opener Smriti Mandhana, reliable batter Jemimah Rodrigues, and the Player of the Tournament, Deepti Sharma. Leading this formidable side as captain is South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who delivered a record-breaking performance by scoring 571 runs at an impressive average of 71.37 in a single World Cup edition. The 11-player lineup also acknowledges the strong showing of Australia, with Annabel Sutherland, Ash Gardner, and Alana King securing spots after their journey to the semifinals. England’s Sophie Ecclestone earned recognition for her exceptional bowling, while Pakistan’s wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz stands out as the sole player from a team that did not reach the final four.
Smriti Mandhana concluded the tournament as the second-highest run-scorer, accumulating 434 runs at an average of 54.25, including one century and two half-centuries. A highlight of her campaign was a magnificent century against New Zealand in Navi Mumbai.
Laura Wolvaardt, entrusted with the captaincy, displayed remarkable batting prowess throughout the competition. Her ability to perform under pressure was evident with centuries in both knockout matches, scoring 169 against England in the semifinals and a crucial 101 in the final against India.
Jemimah Rodrigues solidified her place in the team through consistent high-level performances, most notably an unbeaten 127 against Australia in the semifinals. She finished the tournament with 292 runs at an average of 58.40, including a century and a fifty.
South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp showcased her all-round brilliance, contributing 208 runs with the bat and claiming 12 wickets. Her impactful performance of 5/20 and 42 runs in the semifinal was instrumental in her team’s progress.
Australia’s Ash Gardner was equally impressive with both bat and ball, scoring 328 runs at an average of 82, including two centuries, and taking seven wickets. She also registered the fastest century of the tournament, reaching the milestone off just 69 balls against England.
Deepti Sharma’s exceptional all-round contributions rightfully earned her the Player of the Tournament award. She led the wicket-takers chart with 22 dismissals and added 215 runs, including a vital 5/39 and 58 runs in the final against South Africa.
Annabel Sutherland emerged as Australia’s leading wicket-taker, securing 17 wickets at an average of 15.82. She also made significant contributions with the bat, scoring 117 runs, which included an unbeaten 98 against England.
South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk proved to be a valuable asset, scoring 208 runs at an average of 52 and taking nine wickets. Her explosive 84 not out against India during the group stage was a memorable moment.
Pakistan’s wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz was a standout behind the stumps, leading the tournament with eight dismissals, comprising four catches and four stumpings, despite her team’s early exit.
Alana King’s leg-spin artistry resulted in 13 wickets at an average of 17.38, highlighted by a record-breaking spell of 7/18 against South Africa.
Sophie Ecclestone maintained her status as the top-ranked ODI bowler, taking 16 wickets at an average of 14.25, including a crucial 4/44 in the semifinal against South Africa.
England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt was recognized as the 12th player, having scored 262 runs and taken nine wickets throughout the tournament, including a century against Sri Lanka.