All-rounder Ashleigh Gardner can accelerate the scoring rate and finish games with powerful hitting.
All-rounders are crucial assets in T20 cricket, offering both batting depth and bowling options, making them indispensable in any team. In the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, several all-rounders will be key to their teams’ chances of success. Among the top contenders are Hayley Matthews, Ashleigh Gardner, Deepti Sharma, Amelia Kerr, and Chamari Athapaththu. These players have the ability to change the course of a match with both bat and ball. Here’s a ranking of these top five all-rounders heading into the tournament.
Hayley Matthews has been a standout performer for the West Indies for several years. With her aggressive batting at the top of the order and her effective off-spin, Matthews is a game-changer on both fronts. As an opener, she can give her team quick starts, putting pressure on the opposition from the outset. Her bowling is equally valuable, especially in T20 cricket where her variations can break partnerships and provide vital breakthroughs.
Matthews’ ability to influence matches with either skill makes her one of the top all-rounders in the tournament. Her leadership qualities also add another dimension to her game, making her an indispensable figure for the West Indies.
With her aggressive batting at the top of the order and her effective off-spin, Matthews is a game-changer on both fronts // Picture Courtesy — SportsMax
Ashleigh Gardner is a dynamic all-rounder who has become one of Australia’s most crucial players in recent years. With her explosive batting in the middle order, Gardner can accelerate the scoring rate and finish games with powerful hitting. She also brings value with the ball, using her off-spin to maintain control during the middle overs. Gardner’s ability to mix up her deliveries makes her a dangerous bowler, especially in conditions that assist spin.
Gardner’s versatility and match-winning abilities make her one of the top all-rounders in the Women’s T20 World Cup. She has the rare capability of influencing games with both bat and ball, and she thrives in pressure situations.
Deepti Sharma has developed into one of India’s most reliable all-rounders. A composed batter, Deepti often holds the innings together during challenging situations. While not known for power hitting, her ability to rotate strike and anchor the innings is invaluable in T20 cricket.
Deepti’s off-spin bowling is a major asset for India. Her accurate and consistent line and length make her a difficult bowler to attack, and she is often called upon to bowl at key moments in the game. Deepti’s calm presence on the field and her ability to contribute in both departments make her a pivotal figure for India heading into the tournament.
Amelia Kerr is a young all-rounder who has already made a big impact for New Zealand in international cricket. With her leg-spin bowling, she has the ability to take wickets in the middle overs, which is crucial in T20s. Her variations and control with the ball make her a constant threat to opposition batters.
Kerr is also a talented batter who can play a range of roles depending on the team’s needs. She is capable of batting in different positions, whether it’s anchoring the innings or finishing with quick runs. Kerr’s versatility and consistent performances with both bat and ball make her one of the top all-rounders in the tournament.
Amelia Kerr is a young all-rounder who has already made a big impact for New Zealand // Picture Courtesy — Crictracker
Chamari Athapaththu is the cornerstone of Sri Lankan cricket, providing both leadership and all-round skills to her team. As an aggressive batter, she often leads from the front, scoring runs quickly and putting bowlers under pressure. Athapaththu has the ability to take on the world’s best bowlers and play match-defining innings.
In addition to her batting prowess, Athapaththu contributes with the ball, offering useful off-spin options for her team. Although not primarily known for her bowling, she can break partnerships and control the flow of runs when needed. Her experience and impact on both sides of the game make her a key player for Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup.
