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January 5, 2024
Four exceptional cricket stars have been recognized for their remarkable performances in women’s cricket, earning nominations for the esteemed Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy
885 runs and nine wickets in 24 matches
Sri Lankan cricket sensation Chamari Athapaththu had a stellar 2023, leaving an indelible mark on the sport through her exceptional performances and leadership.
As a force to be reckoned with in the T20I format, Athapaththu scored an impressive 470 runs and claimed eight crucial wickets. Her powerful, intent-driven batting style was pivotal in Sri Lanka’s top-order strength. Despite the team’s inability to advance to the knockout stage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa, they turned heads with noteworthy victories over formidable opponents South Africa and Bangladesh.
One of Athapaththu’s standout performances in T20I cricket during 2023 was her spectacular unbeaten 80-run innings against New Zealand on home turf, leading Sri Lanka to a decisive 10-wicket win. However, her incredible all-round performance during Sri Lanka’s historic first-ever T20I series victory against England cemented her prowess as a world-class cricketer. Athapaththu’s outstanding efforts rightfully earned her the Player of the Series title.
In addition to her impressive achievements in T20I, Chamari Athapaththu led the Sri Lankan women’s cricket team to a historic silver medal victory at the 2023 Asian Games. Moreover, her remarkable form extended to the ODI format, where she registered two centuries, instrumental in securing Sri Lanka’s home series triumph over New Zealand.
Athapaththu’s remarkable performances throughout 2023 solidified her status as a cricketing superstar. They inspired her team to reach new heights in the sport.
In a historic first, Sri Lanka clinched their inaugural T20I victory over England, with captain Athapaththu playing a pivotal role. Her stellar all-round performance, which included a crucial 55 runs and an impressive 1/11 bowling figure, propelled the team to a memorable win.
Continuing her exceptional form, Athapaththu led Sri Lanka to another triumph in Derby, displaying astute leadership and remarkable skill. Electing to field first, Athapaththu’s shrewd off-spin bowling proved devastating, as she claimed three wickets and played an integral part in restricting England to a modest 116 runs.
Athapaththu’s aggressive batting set the tone for Sri Lanka’s successful run chase, contributing an array of boundary-clearing strokes, including five fours and two sixes. She stitched together a solid 65-run partnership alongside her opening partner before departing for a well-crafted 44 in the seventh over. The rest of the Sri Lankan batting lineup showed composure and resilience, eventually sealing a historic series victory over England by the 17th over.
This landmark series victory served as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rapidly rising prominence in the realm of women’s cricket. It served as a testament to Athapaththu’s outstanding leadership and exceptional cricketing abilities.
481 runs and 58 wickets in 29 matches
Throughout 2023, Ashleigh Gardner’s consistent performances across formats established her as a pivotal force within the Australian women’s cricket team. Starting the year with impressive returns against Pakistan at home, Gardner shone in the T20 World Cup, displaying her prowess as an impactful all-rounder.
Gardner’s outstanding exploits in the tournament included a career-best 5/12 against New Zealand during Australia’s opening encounter, leading her side to a resounding 97-run victory. She ended the World Cup as Australia’s joint-highest wicket-taker. She played a crucial role in the final, securing economical figures of 1/20 in the team’s triumphant 19-run victory.
During the Women’s Ashes, Gardner continued to impress, delivering a standout performance in the sole Test match that contributed significantly to Australia’s victory. Her consistent middle-order contributions with the bat were instrumental throughout the series, further solidifying her value as an integral component of Australia’s success in the limited-overs formats. In a year of remarkable achievements, Ashleigh Gardner’s versatility and determination set her apart as a cricketer of the highest caliber.
Gardner’s standout performance in the solitary Ashes Test match was remarkable. Contributing a valuable 40 runs with the bat, she played a crucial role in propelling Australia to an imposing first-innings total of 473. As England’s Tammy Beaumont challenged Australia with a brilliant double century, Gardner responded with a stellar 4/99, effectively containing the opposition and maintaining her team’s advantage.
Despite Sophie Ecclestone’s five-wicket haul limiting Australia to 257 in their second innings, Gardner rose when England began chasing 268 for victory. Following England’s solid 55-run opening stand, Gardner unleashed a magical spell of off-spin bowling, claiming eight wickets for a mere 66 runs in her 20 overs. Her devastating performance dismantled England’s top order, with critical scalps including the formidable trio of Beaumont, Heather Knight, and Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Australia emerged victorious by 89 runs in this crucial Test, which ultimately proved pivotal in retaining the Ashes when the series concluded with both teams level on points.Gardner’s captivating bowling performance of 8/66 has earned her a prestigious place in the annals of Women’s Test cricket history, securing the second-best figures ever recorded. This extraordinary achievement not only showcases her exceptional talent but also solidifies her status as one of the all-time greats in the sport. At the same time, her match haul of 12/165 stood as the second-best ever achieved by an Australian bowler. These remarkable feats exemplified Gardner’s immense talent and highlighted her indelible impact on women’s cricket.
1040 runs in 29 matches
Beth Mooney, the talented left-handed opener from Australia, is a strong contender for the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy following a string of standout performances in 2023. Her exceptional form was displayed during the T20 World Cup in South Africa, where she emerged as Australia’s leading run-scorer. Mooney’s crucial knocks of 54 from 37 balls against India in the semi-finals and an unbeaten 74 from 53 in the final played a pivotal role in securing Australia’s record sixth T20 World Cup title.
Mooney’s proficiency also extended to the ODI format, with her brilliance shining through in a stellar century against Pakistan and a series of valuable contributions during the highly competitive Women’s Ashes. These noteworthy performances showcased her adaptability across formats and solidified her status as a crucial member of Australia’s batting lineup.
Mooney demonstrated her dependability as a top-order in the most extended format. Her resilient 85-run innings in the second innings of the lone Ashes Test at Nottingham was instrumental in setting a challenging target of 268 for England. This ultimately laid the groundwork for Gardner’s memorable bowling display, which secured victory for Australia and highlighted the depth and camaraderie within the team.
Beth Mooney’s exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup final was a testament to her skill and determination as a batter. Electing to bat first, Australia faced an early setback with the dismissal of Alyssa Healy, who had played a vital role alongside Mooney in their previous T20 World Cup triumph against India in 2020.
Undeterred, Mooney took charge of the situation, forging a solid 46-run partnership with Gardner. Following Gardner’s dismissal, Mooney expertly balanced aggression and composure, delivering a masterful 74-run knock at an impressive strike rate of nearly 140. Her commanding innings was punctuated by nine stylish fours and a six, setting the stage for Australia’s victory.
Defending a competitive target of 157, Australia’s bowling unit delivered a strong performance, complementing Mooney’s match-winning innings. In acknowledgment of her pivotal role in securing the team’s victory, Mooney was deservedly awarded the prestigious Player of the Match title. Her outstanding performance and unwavering dedication to the team’s success were invaluable, making her an indisputable choice for this esteemed recognition. This accolade celebrated her instrumental role in securing Australia’s T20 World Cup title. It highlighted her immense value as a consistent and dynamic force within the team.
894 runs and nine wickets in 18 games
As the reigning Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy recipient in 2022, Nat Sciver-Brunt has once again positioned herself as a top contender for the esteemed accolade, courtesy of her consistently dominant performances in ODI cricket throughout 2023. Sciver-Brunt amassed an impressive 393 runs in six outings, averaging 131 and adding three more centuries to her tally. This outstanding achievement brings her within striking distance of England’s national record of nine ODI tons, currently held jointly by Tammy Beaumont and Charlotte Edwards.
Her Test performances were equally noteworthy, with two solid half-centuries against formidable opponents Australia and India.Sciver-Brunt’s remarkable impact extended to the grand stage of the T20 World Cup, where she emerged as England’s most prolific run-scorer. Amassing an impressive total of 216 runs at a striking strike rate of 141.17, Sciver-Brunt’s powerhouse performances were instrumental in propelling her team to new heights and securing her status as a cornerstone of England’s batting line-up.
Maintaining her rich vein of form, Sciver-Brunt delivered a standout performance with a blistering 77 against India at Wankhede in December, significantly contributing to England’s commanding victory. Sciver-Brunt proved her versatility alongside her exploits with the bat by claiming nine crucial wickets as a bowler.
Sciver-Brunt’s remarkable consistency, all-round prowess, and determination have propelled England to numerous victories and firmly established her as one of the world’s premier women’s cricketers. As the cricketing community eagerly awaits the announcement of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy winner, Sciver-Brunt’s accomplishments continue to inspire her teammates and aspiring players alike.
Sciver-Brunt was an undeniable force throughout the series, ultimately earning her the Player of the Series award. However, she truly shone during the ODI matches. In the first ODI, her valuable contributions of 31 runs and an economical 2/38 bowling performance proved instrumental in securing England’s victory.
It was in the second game, however, that Sciver-Brunt showcased her undeniable talent and determination. With the coveted Ashes series hanging in the balance, England found themselves in a must-win situation to level the points table against their fierce rivals, Australia. The pressure was mounting, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams prepared for a grueling battle on the pitch. Sciver-Brunt displayed disciplined bowling in the first innings, conceding just 44 runs from her allotted overs. Despite her efforts, Australia set a challenging target of 283.
As England lost crucial wickets in the middle overs and the required run rate escalated, Sciver-Brunt remained composed, scoring briskly. She formed vital partnerships with Beaumont, Amy Jones, and Sarah Glenn, carrying the game down to the final ball. With five runs needed off the last delivery to keep the Ashes hopes alive, Sciver-Brunt managed only a single, falling just short of an improbable victory. Nevertheless, her outstanding century (111*) under immense pressure was critical in keeping England in contention after struggling at 144/5 and 213/7.
In the third and final ODI, Sciver-Brunt’s batting prowess was on full display once more, as she registered yet another sublime hundred, playing a pivotal role in securing a comfortable win for England. This outstanding series solidified Sciver-Brunt’s status as a world-class talent. They demonstrated her unwavering commitment to her team and the sport.
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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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