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January 4, 2024
Four Remarkable Stars Compete for ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2023 Title
415 runs and 1 wicket in 8 matches
Chamari Athapaththu displayed exceptional prowess and leadership in the ODI format throughout the year, excelling as a captain and a player. Her impact on the Sri Lanka team was undeniable, as she guided them to several historic victories.
Athapaththu started the year strong as captain, securing a 1-0 victory in a rain-affected series against Bangladesh. Despite the first two matches being washed out, she led her team to a decisive win in the final game, scoring a quick-fire 60-ball 64 and taking the crucial wicket of her opposing captain.
Her most defining moments came during Sri Lanka’s first-ever bilateral series win (2-1) over New Zealand. Athapaththu starred in both victories, scoring two blistering centuries that propelled Sri Lanka to success. Her 108* and 140* were pivotal in pressure-filled chases, as she remained at the crease to guide her team to victory.
The series against England, where Sri Lanka suffered a 2-0 defeat, further highlighted Athapaththu’s importance to the team. Her relatively modest performances underscored her indispensable role as a batter and a leader.
Athapaththu’s influence as a player and captain has been instrumental in elevating Sri Lanka’s status in women’s cricket, evident in their rise in the T20 format. Her consistent form and leadership have been a driving force behind Sri Lanka’s impressive performances throughout the year, solidifying her reputation as one of the most impactful players in the sport.
In a high-stakes series decider against New Zealand, Chamari Athapaththu delivered a stellar performance, leading Sri Lanka to a historic victory with an unbeaten 140. Her remarkable innings not only showcased her individual brilliance but also spurred her team to achieve new heights.
Chasing a challenging target of 196 in 29 overs, Sri Lanka found themselves in early trouble at 4/2 within the first four overs. Undaunted by the pressure, Athapaththu took charge with an aggressive approach, fearlessly countering New Zealand’s fierce bowling attack. By the 10-over mark, Sri Lanka had remarkably recovered to reach a run-a-ball rate.
Athapaththu found a solid partner in Nilakshika Silva, and the pair orchestrated a record-breaking 190-run partnership for Sri Lanka in Women’s ODIs. Athapaththu raced to a blistering 31-ball fifty before reaching her century in just 29 more balls – the fourth-fastest in Women’s ODI history and the fastest ever by a Sri Lanka.
Thanks to Athapaththu’s masterful knock and the record partnership, Sri Lanka successfully chased the target with eight wickets and 13 balls to spare. This unforgettable performance exemplifies Athapaththu’s indomitable spirit and ability to steer her team to victory against all odds.
24 wickets, 188 runs and 6 catches in 13 matches
Ashleigh Gardner showcased her immense all-round talent throughout the year, consistently delivering standout performances for Australia in 2023. Her impact was particularly evident with the ball, as she became Australia’s leading wicket-taker in three of their four bilateral series.
Starting the year strong, Gardner took five wickets in the three-match ODI series against Pakistan in January. In the ODI leg of the Ashes series, she maintained her momentum, capturing three wickets in each of the three matches while contributing a valuable 95 runs.
Her outstanding all-round performance against Ireland earned Gardner the Player of the Series award. She collected four wickets and scored 65 runs across two matches. Continuing her stellar form, Gardner claimed three more wickets against the West Indies, concluding the year as the highest wicket-taker in Women’s ODIs.
Gardner’s prowess with the bat was equally impressive. She demonstrated her capabilities by averaging 31.33, proving a valuable asset for Australia in the middle order. Her exceptional all-around contributions throughout the year solidified her status as one of the most influential players in women’s cricket.
Ashleigh Gardner’s exceptional display of skill with both the bat and ball proved instrumental in Australia’s thrilling and closely-contested victory against England in Southampton.
With Australia at 102/4, Gardner strode to the crease. His spirited 37-ball 33, punctuated by two boundaries and a six, provided the vital impetus needed to revive the team’s momentum. Her 56-run partnership with Ellyse Perry for the fifth wicket helped set a competitive target of 283 for England.
Gardner’s prowess shone in the bowling department as she picked up three vital wickets. Her scalps included the dangerous Amy Jones, who, alongside Nat Sciver-Brunt, had threatened to take the game away from Australia with a brisk 57-run partnership.
Gardner’s timely dismissals of Danni Wyatt and Sophie Ecclestone on either side of Jones’ wicket swung the pendulum back in Australia’s favor. As the match reached a thrilling climax, with England needing 35 runs off the last four overs and Sciver-Brunt batting superbly, Gardner displayed nerves of steel in bowling two tight overs that conceded only 12 runs.
Gardner’s exceptional all-round performance was instrumental in Australia’s heart-stopping three-run victory, as they successfully retained the Women’s Ashes amidst a riveting finale. Her ability to rise to the occasion and deliver under pressure has firmly established her as a match-winner for the Australian team.
541 runs, 8 wickets, and 3 catches in 9 matches
Amelia Kerr’s consistent and exceptional performances in the 50-over format have earned her a second consecutive nomination for the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award. Kerr’s impressive form from 2022 carried over into 2023, making her a standout player for New Zealand throughout the year.
Despite New Zealand’s 2-1 defeat to Sri Lanka in June-July, Kerr was a beacon of consistency. In the rain-affected first match, she top-scored with a valuable 51-ball 40, propelling her side to a competitive total of 170 in 28 overs. Her all-round brilliance was displayed in the White Ferns’ sole victory, where she registered a century and picked up a wicket. Alongside captain Sophie Devine, Kerr stitched together a match-defining 229-run partnership to set an imposing total of 329/7. Her disciplined bowling effort of 10-1-34-1 was crucial in restricting Sri Lanka.
New Zealand faced another 2-1 series loss against South Africa in September-October, but Kerr continued to deliver under pressure. She notched a crucial half-century in the second ODI and a match-winning century in the third, single-handedly carrying her team’s batting unit.
In New Zealand’s final ODI assignment of the year against Pakistan, Kerr earned the Player of the Series award for her consistent contributions. She amassed two fifties and claimed five wickets throughout the three-match series, further solidifying her reputation as one of the most dependable all-rounders in women’s cricket.
Amelia Kerr delivered an exemplary all-round performance in the final ODI against South Africa, powering New Zealand to a commanding victory despite losing the series. Her unwavering determination set the tone for an outstanding display of skill and leadership.
As South Africa struggled to build momentum throughout their innings, the dangerous Marizanne Kapp threatened to shift the tide with a well-composed half-century. Recognizing the need for a breakthrough, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine turned to Kerr in the death overs. The 23-year-old responded brilliantly, dismissing Kapp and claiming another crucial wicket to restrict South Africa to 209.
New Zealand’s Suzie Bates suffered an early setback in her quest to achieve the team’s target. Still, Kerr remained composed, forging a crucial 64-run partnership with Devine. Following Devine’s dismissal and a subsequent mini-collapse, Kerr showcased her maturity and resilience by anchoring the innings and guiding the team towards victory, with Brooke Halliday providing valuable support.
In a thrilling conclusion, Kerr seized the opportunity to simultaneously seal a five-run victory and notch up a memorable century. She struck a boundary with the team, needing five runs, and Kerr required the same for her hundred. She followed it up with a winning single, etching her name in the record books with a remarkable century.
Kerr’s outstanding performance, earning her the Player of the Match accolade, exemplified her immense impact and vital role in both facets of the game. Her leadership and determination in the face of a challenging series epitomize the qualities that have elevated her to the pinnacle of women’s cricket.
393 runs, 3 wickets, and 2 catches in 6 matches
Despite playing just six matches, Nat Sciver-Brunt delivered multiple standout performances in 2023, propelling her into the ODI Player of the Year shortlist. Her contributions were crucial in securing England’s 2-1 series victory in the ODI leg of the Women’s Ashes.
Sciver-Brunt dominated the Ashes series with two scintillating centuries and three crucial wickets, earning her the Player of the Series award. She continued her sensational form with a rapid 74-ball 120 against Sri Lanka, an innings studded with 18 fours and a six. Garnering the Player of the Match award, she played a pivotal role in England’s decisive 2-0 series triumph against the visiting team.
At just 31 years old, Sciver-Brunt’s remarkable achievements in 2023 underscore her status as one of the world’s most influential women’s cricketers. With a rare combination of power-hitting and incisive bowling, she remains a vital asset for England as they seek continued success in the years to come.
Despite England’s heart-wrenching defeat, Nat Sciver-Brunt delivered a masterful performance in the second ODI against Australia in Southampton. Set a challenging target of 283, England began their chase steadily, with Tammy Beaumont registering a brisk half-century.
After Australia struck twice quickly, Sciver-Brunt arrived at the crease with the hosts still needing 197 runs at a run-a-ball. As the innings unfolded, England found themselves reeling at 145/5, with the required run rate climbing to over 6.5 per over and 139 runs still needed.
Undeterred by the mounting pressure, Sciver-Brunt patiently constructed her innings, reaching a 53-ball half-century. She built a crucial 57-run partnership with Amy Jones, who played an aggressive role.
Just as the duo began to assert control, Ashleigh Gardner claimed two wickets in a single over, derailing England’s momentum. With Sciver-Brunt left to bat with the tail and 73 runs still needed in the final 10 overs, the odds seemed stacked against the hosts.
Finding a dependable ally in Sarah Glenn, Sciver-Brunt consistently found boundaries, keeping the required rate within reach. Yet, the celebrations were subdued, as England still needed 15 runs from the final over.
Sciver-Brunt launched a boundary off the third ball and followed it up with two braces, bringing the equation down to five runs off the last delivery. Despite her heroic efforts and a valiant attempt at a decisive slog off the final ball, she could only manage one, leaving England excruciatingly three runs short of victory.
Sciver-Brunt’s majestic 111* showcased her unparalleled prowess in ODI chases, masterfully combining precision and power-hitting. Even if the outcome ultimately fell short of triumph, this exceptional performance will be remembered as a testament to her unparalleled skill and determination under pressure.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Top Cricket News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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