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The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 concluded with New Zealand clinching their first title after defeating South Africa by 32 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 20. This tournament has been a showcase of remarkable cricketing moments since its inception in 2009, each edition highlighting extraordinary talent from around the globe. Throughout its history, there have always been standout performances that define the competition, and this year was no exception.
Celebrating the Player of the Match legacy
The prestigious “Player of the Match” award is bestowed upon the player who makes the most significant impact in the crucial final clash. Over the years, this accolade has recognized individuals who have led their teams to victory or showcased exceptional skill and consistency. Each recipient has left a mark on the tournament’s legacy, elevating their status within the cricketing community. They have not only contributed to their team’s success but also enriched the tournament’s narrative with their individual brilliance. Their performances serve as inspiration for future generations of cricketers, emphasizing the growing prominence of women’s cricket on the global stage.
Player of the Match winners in each edition of Women’s T20 World Cup:
1. Katherine Sciver-Brunt (2009 – England)
Katherine Sciver-Brunt delivered a remarkable performance in the final of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 on June 21, 2009. Her exceptional bowling figures of 3 wickets for just 6 runs in 4 overs played a crucial role in restricting New Zealand Women to a mere 85 runs. Sciver-Brunt’s aggressive bowling style, combined with her ability to maintain pressure, earned her the Player of the Match award. Her performance not only showcased her skill but also significantly contributed to England Women’s comfortable 6-wicket victory, as they chased down the target with 18 balls to spare. This match solidified her status as a key player in women’s cricket.
2. Ellyse Perry (2010 – Australia)
Ellyse Perry showcased her exceptional all-round abilities in the final of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 on May 16, 2010. With a stellar bowling performance, she took 3 wickets for just 18 runs in her 4 overs, playing a crucial role in limiting New Zealand to 103 runs while defending a total of 106. Her wickets included key players, significantly impacting the match’s momentum. Perry’s composure under pressure not only helped secure a narrow 3-run victory for Australia Women but also underscored her importance in high-stakes matches. This performance solidified her status as one of the leading players in women’s cricket.
3. Jess Duffin (2012 – Australia)
Jess Duffin played a pivotal role in Australia’s narrow 4-run victory over England in the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Final on October 7, 2012. Scoring 45 runs off 34 balls, Duffin’s innings was marked by five boundaries and a six, showcasing her ability to accelerate the scoring when it mattered most. Coming in at a critical juncture, she steadied the innings after the early loss of wickets, helping Australia post a total of 142/4. Her performance not only earned her the Player of the Match award but also highlighted her significance in high-pressure matches. Duffin’s composure and strategic shot selection were instrumental in guiding her team to victory, securing Australia’s third consecutive World Twenty20 title.
4. Sarah Coyte (2014 – Australia)
In the Women’s World T20 Final held in Mirpur on April 6, 2014, Sarah Coyte emerged as the standout performer, earning the Player of the Match award for her remarkable bowling display. She took 3 wickets for just 16 runs in her four overs, effectively dismantling the England batting lineup. Coyte’s crucial breakthroughs included the dismissals of key players like Charlotte Edwards and Tammy Beaumont, who were both instrumental to England’s batting order.
Her exceptional economy rate of 4.00 and her ability to strike at crucial moments significantly contributed to restricting England to a modest total of 105/8. Australia chased down the target of 106 runs with ease, achieving victory by 6 wickets with 29 balls to spare. This win marked Australia Women’s second consecutive World T20 title and further solidified their dominance in the format.
Also READ: Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Complete list of award winners and the prize money
5. Hayley Matthews (2016 – West Indies)
In the Women’s World T20 Final at Eden Gardens on April 3, 2016, Hayley Matthews delivered a stellar performance, leading the West Indies to a remarkable victory over Australia. Matthews scored an impressive 66 runs off 45 balls, showcasing her ability to anchor the innings while also accelerating the scoring rate with 6 fours and 3 sixes. Her aggressive yet calculated batting was pivotal in chasing down the target of 149 runs.
Matthews’ innings included a partnership with Stafanie Taylor, where both batters played a crucial role in stabilizing the West Indies after the early loss of wickets. In addition to her batting heroics, Matthews contributed with the ball, taking 1 wicket for just 13 runs in her 2 overs, further underlining her all-round capabilities. The West Indies chased down the target in 19.3 overs, finishing at 149/2 and winning by 8 wickets. This victory marked a historic moment for the West Indies, as they claimed their first Women’s T20 World Cup title.
6. Ashleigh Gardner (2018 – Australia)
In the ICC Women’s World T20 Final held in North Sound on November 24, 2018, Ashleigh Gardner played a pivotal role in leading Australia to victory over England. She scored an unbeaten 33 runs off 26 balls, contributing significantly to Australia’s successful chase of 106 runs. Gardner’s innings included a mix of power and placement, with 1 four and 3 sixes, helping to stabilize the Australian innings after the loss of early wickets.
In addition to her batting performance, Gardner was exceptional with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for just 22 runs in her 4 overs. Her all-round contribution was crucial in restricting England to a modest total of 105 runs. She took the crucial wickets of Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Heather Knight and Anya Shrubsole, significantly impacting the game and helping her team secure an 8-wicket victory with 29 balls remaining.
7. Alyssa Healy (2020 – Australia)
In the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 8, 2020, Alyssa Healy was instrumental in leading Australia to a comprehensive victory over India. She scored an explosive 75 runs off just 39 balls, which included 7 fours and 5 sixes, showcasing her aggressive batting style and ability to dominate the bowling attack. Healy’s innings set a solid foundation for Australia, helping them post a formidable total of 184 runs.
Her performance not only earned her the Player of the Match award but also highlighted her importance in the Australian lineup, especially in high-stakes matches. Alongside her explosive batting, Healy also contributed behind the stumps, ensuring smooth wicketkeeping throughout the innings.
8. Beth Mooney (2023 – Australia)
In the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final held in Cape Town on February 26, 2023, Beth Mooney delivered an outstanding performance, scoring an unbeaten 74 runs off 53 balls. Her innings was pivotal in guiding Australia to a competitive total of 156 runs, ultimately securing a 19-run victory over South Africa. Mooney’s ability to anchor the innings while accelerating the scoring rate showcased her skill and composure under pressure, making her a crucial player for Australia in this high-stakes match. This remarkable display earned her the Player of the Match award, further cementing her status as one of the standout performers of the tournament.
9. Amelia Kerr (2024 – New Zealand)
In the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final held in Dubai on October 20, 2024, Amelia Kerr played a vital role in New Zealand’s 32-run victory over South Africa. Scoring 43 runs off 38 balls, Kerr demonstrated her ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a steady run rate. She contributed significantly to New Zealand’s total of 158 runs, allowing the team to set a challenging target for South Africa.
Kerr’s performance didn’t stop there; she also excelled with the ball, claiming three wickets for 24 runs in her four overs. Her all-round capabilities were crucial in restricting South Africa to 126 runs, ultimately securing New Zealand the championship title. This remarkable performance not only showcased her skill but also made her one of the standout players in the tournament, highlighting her importance to the New Zealand team.
