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NEW DELHI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has put forward three nominees for the Women’s Player of the Month award for December: India’s Smriti Mandhana, Australia’s Annabel Sutherland, and South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Mandhana demonstrated outstanding cricket across various formats during India’s international fixtures. Following a challenging start in the Australian ODI series, she bounced back brilliantly with an impressive century (105 off 109 balls) in the third match. This performance set her up for success in the subsequent West Indies series at home.
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The Indian opener continued her excellent form in the T20I series against the West Indies, producing three consecutive half-centuries that guided India to a 2-1 series victory. Her consistent batting and ability to maintain momentum throughout innings highlighted her status as a premier batter in women’s cricket.
Her statistics reflect her excellence: 270 runs in six ODIs at 45.00 average and 91.52 strike rate, alongside 193 runs in three T20Is, averaging 64.33 with a strike rate of 59.50.
Sutherland’s December performances helped maintain Australia’s undefeated ODI record. The all-rounder scored two centuries – 110 against India in Perth and an unbeaten 105 versus New Zealand in Wellington. Her batting displayed both technical skill and tactical awareness.
Sutherland’s bowling proved equally valuable, with a standout performance of 4/39 in the second ODI against India. Her December statistics were impressive: 269 runs (average 67.25, strike rate 113.98) and nine wickets (average 16.22, economy 3.85) across five ODIs. These contributions earned her two Player of the Series awards.
Mlaba achieved a historic milestone in South Africa’s Test match against England in Bloemfontein. She became South Africa’s first female cricketer to secure a 10-wicket haul in Tests, with outstanding figures of 10 wickets at 15.70.
Despite South Africa’s defeat, her spin bowling excellence stood out. She also contributed in the England ODI series with two wickets and scored 20 runs.
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