How Smriti Mandhana’s Record-Breaking Year Put Her Above the Rest
When Smriti Mandhana became the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024, it seemed like the icing on top of an already impressive career. But what distinguished her from the other contenders, like Chamari Athapaththu, Laura Wolvaardt, and Annabel Sutherland? Was it just the numbers, or was there anything else going on? Let’s break it down to understand why Mandhana deserves the accolade.
Congratulations to @mandhana_smriti, who has been adjudged ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year.
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) January 27, 2025
She scored 4 centuries and 3 half-centuries in 13 matches at an average of 57.46.
Keep soaring high, Smriti 🫡🫡#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/jlBJfKKXrY
In 2024, Smriti Mandhana delivered a remarkable performance that propelled her to the peak of women’s ODI cricket. Mandhana became the year’s leading run-scorer with 747 runs from just 13 innings and set a new personal record. Mandhana was in a league of her own, averaging an astonishing 57.46. Her four century and three half-centuries lent credibility to her candidature, demonstrating consistency and flair over many series.
However, her capacity to flourish in the most challenging circumstances strikes out. Her visit to Australia deserves special notice since she scored two centuries, the most by any overseas batter in that nation. Her stunning 136 against Australia, her highest score of the year, proved her ability to execute under pressure. Mandhana is more than simply a dependable performer; she is a matchwinner.
Let’s compare Mandhana’s stats to those of the other players in contention for the prize to determine how dominant her performance was.
13 matches, 747 runs, average 57.46, strike rate 95.15
Mandhana has an outstanding 95.15 strike rate, demonstrating a blend of aggressiveness and control. She was also the only player with four centuries and three fifties. Her constant run-scoring ability made her a force to be reckoned with, regardless of the opposition.
9 matches, 458 runs, average 65.42, strike rate 101.10
Athapaththu’s stats are excellent, particularly her 195* versus Ireland. However, her strike rate of 101.10 implies that she scored more runs in fewer innings. Mandhana outscored her in terms of volume and consistency, scoring more hundreds and fifties during the year.
12 matches, 697 runs, average 87.12, strike rate 87.34
Wolvaardt’s strong average and total runs indicate consistency. However, she was more of a consistent performer than a game-changer. Mandhana’s ability to score quicker, along with her four hundred vs Wolvaardt’s three, makes her a more effective presence in all forms.
12 matches, 369 runs, average 52.71, strike rate 100.27
Annabel Sutherland’s strike rate may appear good, but her total runs (369) pale in contrast to Mandhana’s 747. While Sutherland had two hundreds, Mandhana’s overall performance, particularly her consistency, edged her out.
Mandhana’s ability to rise to the occasion in tough situations distinguishes her as a player. For example, in the last ODI against South Africa, her back-to-back centuries helped India win the series. Despite losing the series to Australia, she stood out as the lone fighter, scoring an undefeated 136. This level of mental fortitude distinguishes her from her peers.
The ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024 will be in action at Lord's this summer!
— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) January 27, 2025
Don't miss your chance to see Smriti Mandhana in action: https://t.co/6FnaqkxwKe pic.twitter.com/Qa7yy0fvkF
While all of the ICC Women’s ODI Player of the Year 2024 nominees had moments, none could equal Mandhana’s consistency, high-quality hundreds, and match-winning efforts. With her record-breaking runs and several hundred and the mental tenacity she exhibited in various series, it was evident that she earned the title.
Smriti Mandhana’s 2024 was more than just an outstanding year; it was a statement.
