Harmanpreet Kaur lone Indian in ICC 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the Team of the Tournament for the recently concluded 2024 Women's T20 World Cup held in the UAE. Harmanpreet Kaur is the only Indian in the team that features three players each from champions New Zealand and runners-up South Africa (including the 12th player), two from West Indies, and one each from England, Bangladesh, and Australia.
The White Ferns won their maiden Women's T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa in the final by 32 runs in Dubai on Sunday, October 20. Batting first, the Kiwis put up 158-5 on the board and then held the Proteas to 126-9.
South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt has been picked as the captain of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup team of the tournament. She finished the competition as the leading run-getter, with 223 runs from six innings at an average of 44.60 and a strike rate of 113.20.
Wolvaardt's opening partner Tazmin Brits also features in the Team of the Tournament. The latter was the second-leading run-getter in the event, scoring 187 runs at an average of 37.40. England's Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who contributed 151 runs in four innings at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 124.79, has been chosen for the No. 3 spot.
New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr, who was the Player of the final and the Player of the tournament, was an obvious choice in the team. Kerr took a record 15 wickets and also chipped in with 135 runs, which included a crucial 43 in the final against South Africa.
Indian captain Harmanpreet has been named as one of the middle-order batters in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup team of the tournament. While the Women in Blue had a forgettable event overall, their captain stood out for contributing 150 runs in four innings at a strike rate of 133.93.
The West Indies duo of Deandra Dottin and Afy Fletcher have also made the cut. Dottin, who came out of retirement to take part in the World Cup, scored 120 runs and picked up five wickets. As for Fletcher, the leg-spinner claimed 10 wickets at an average of 11.50.
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana would be the keeper-batter in the Women's T20 World Cup team of the tournament. She did a decent job as captain as her side won their first Women’s T20 World Cup game in 10 years. With the willow, she scored 39 against West Indies and 32* against South Africa.
Schutt, Mair rewarded for brilliant show with place in 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup team of the Tournament
Among frontline bowlers, New Zealand's Rosemary Mair, who picked up 10 wickets at an average of 11.70, including three in the final, features in the list. Australia's Megan Schutt, who became the highest wicket-taker in the ICC event during the tournament, also makes the team. She picked up eight scalps at an average of nine
South Africa's Nonkululeko Mlaba also had a tournament to remember. She was the second-leading wicket-taker with 12 scalps at an average of 11.33. Mlaba picked up four wickets against West Indies, and three against Scotland before dismissing Tahlia McGrath in the semifinal and then claiming two in the final. Kiwi Eden Carson (nine wickets) has been named the 12th player.
ICC 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 – Team of the Tournament: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amelia Kerr, Harmanpreet Kaur, Deandra Dottin, Nigar Sultana (wk), Afy Fletcher, Rosemary Mair, Megan Schutt, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Eden Carson (12th player).