Monitoring Desk
DUBAI: The ICC Team of the Year recognised 11 outstanding individuals who have impressed throughout 2023, be it with the bat, the ball or their all-round exploits.
Chamari Athapaththu (c) (Sri Lanka)
The veteran Sri Lankan started the year with a Player of the Match performance in Cape Town in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, smashing 68 off 50 balls to help Sri Lanka beat South Africa by three runs. The big upset win set the tone for a remarkable year for Sri Lanka women and Athapaththu was at the forefront of it all.
She finished with 470 runs in the year, scoring at a quicker-than-usual strike-rate of 130.91. With 15 sixes in the year, she also hit a personal high in Women’s T20Is.
In the second half of the year, Athapaththu hit a purple patch, recording an unbeaten 80 in 47 balls in Colombo to help Sri Lanka pull back a win in the three-match series against New Zealand. Athapaththu’s assault blew the White Ferns attack away as Sri Lanka went on to chase 141 with all 10 wickets to spare. She then went on to play a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s series triumph over England in England.
Beth Mooney (wk) (Australia)
Making 410 runs at an average of 41 and a strike rate of 120.58, Beth Mooney was a key performer for the all-conquering Australians who claimed another T20 World Cup trophy.
Mooney began her year with 46 (29) against Pakistan in Hobart, and despite a slow start in the successful campaign in South Africa, flourished when her side needed it most.
The left-hander made 56* (53) to kick into gear, before a crucial half-century against India in the semi-final at Newlands. Mooney would go on to make 74* (53) in the final against the tournament hosts at the same venue.
From there, attention turned to a Women’s Ashes and a home series against the West Indies. Mooney made scores of 61*, 22, and 32 against England on the away trip.
The other players include Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa), Hayley Matthews (West Indies), Nat Sciver-Brunt (England), Amelia Kerr (New Zealand), Ellyse Perry (Australia), Ash Gardner (Australia), Deepti Sharma (India), Sophie Ecclestone (England), Megan Schutt (Australia).
