Opening batter Smriti Mandhana and all-rounder Deepti Sharma were the only two players from India to be included in the ICC Women’s ODI team of the year on Friday, January 24. The ICC (International Cricket Council) unveiled the 11-member team as it rewarded players for their marvellous performances in 2024. Mandhana was selected as the opener alongside South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who was also awarded the captaincy of the side.

The India opener had a remarkable year in the format, finishing as the highest run scorer with 747 runs from 13 matches at an average of 57.46 with four centuries and three hundreds. She also etched her name in the history books by registering most centuries (10) for India in women’s ODIs, surpassing Mithali Raj’s record of seven hundreds.

Following her prolific run in 2024, Mandhana has also been nominated for the prestigious ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year alongside Wolvaardt, Australia’s Annabel Sutherland, and Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu.

All Rounder Deepti Sharma also found a place in the team courtesy of her remarkable all-round performances in the format. The spin all-rounder scored 186 runs from 13 matches (10 innings) at an average of 31. Apart from that, she also scalped 24 wickets from 13 matches (12 innings) at an average of 19.83 and an economy of 4.49 with one five-wicket haul.

Wolvaardt was given the captaincy of the side following a prolific year with the bat for the South Africa captain. She accumulated 697 runs in the year from 12 innings at a magnificent average of 87.12 with three hundreds and as many fifties. Chamari Athapaththu, West Indies’ Hayley Matthews and Marizanne Kapp from South Africa, who bring up firepower with both bat and ball, make up the middle order of the team.

Meanwhile, England's Amy Jones was picked as the wicketkeeper, while Australian all-rounders Ashleigh Gardner and Annabel Sutherland also found a place. Sophie Ecclestone and Kate Cross were also picked to further strengthen the bowling attack.

ICC Women’s ODI Team of the Year 2024: Smriti Mandhana (Ind), Laura Wolvaardt (SA) (c), Chamari Athapaththu (SL), Hayley Matthews (WI), Marizanne Kapp (SA), Ash Gardner (Aus), Annabel Sutherland (Aus), Amy Jones (Eng) (wk), Deepti Sharma (Ind), Sophie Ecclestone (Eng), Kate Cross (Eng)

Source: India Today