THE ICC HAS announced the Women’s Cricket World Cup Team of the Tournament, featuring three Indian stars – opener Smriti Mandhana, key batter Jemimah Rodrigues and Player of the Tournament Deepti Sharma – all winning a spot in the final XI
During the India’s historic run to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title, India’s vice-captain, Mandhana, impressed with 434 runs at an average of 54.25, including a brilliant century against New Zealand. Rodrigues played key knocks, scoring 292 runs at an average of 58.4, highlighted by her unbeaten 127 run knock against Australia in the semi-final. Sharma was the top wicket taker with 22 scalps in addition to 215 crucial runs, proving vital to the country’s triumph.
Runners up South Africa also have three of their players in the side, with skipper Laura Wolvaardt chosen to captain the Team of the Tournament following her sensational efforts with the bat where she amassed a whopping 571 runs at an average of 71.37 to break the record for the most runs at any single edition of the Women’s World Cup.
Annabel Sutherland, Ash Gardner and leg-spinner Alana King feature from the Australian team that reached the semi-finals, with standout wicket-keeper Sidra Nawaz of Pakistan the only player named in a side to miss out on the final four.
England’s Sophie Ecclestone is also included following some strong efforts that helped the side reach the semi-finals, while compatriot Nat Sciver-Brunt is named as the 12th player.
Smriti Mandhana
434 runs, 54.25 average, one century, two fifties
A model of consistency at the top of the batting order for India, Mandhana finished as the second-leading run-scorer at the tournament behind only Laura Wolvaardt.
Her 109 against New Zealand in Navi Mumbai was the highlight for the left-hander, while consecutive scores of 80 and 8 against Australia and England prior to that century displayed Mandhana’s ability to perform well against the best teams.
Jemimah Rodrigues
292 runs, 58.40 average, one century, one fifty
Rodrigues’ stunning innings of 127 not out against Australia in the semi-finals was the major reason behind her inclusion in the side, though the India No.3 also produced a string of other good scores throughout the tournament.
An unbeaten 76 against New Zealand was of vital importance in India’s run to the semis, while Rodrigues’ knock of 24 helped alongside Shafali Verma’s fireworks in the final against South Africa.
Deepti Sharma
215 runs, 30.71 average, one century, three fifties, 22 wickets, 20.40 average
Named Player of the Tournament, Deepti Sharma was instrumental in India’s title-winning campaign. She finished as the leading wicket-taker and scored crucial runs across the tournament.
Deepti produced her best performance on the grandest stage, taking 5/39 in the final against South Africa and adding 58 with the bat. Her consistency and ability to influence games with both bat and ball made her India’s most valuable player.
