India’s Smriti Mandhana, Australia’s Annabel Sutherland, and South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba have earned nominations for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for December.
Smriti Mandhana showcased remarkable consistency across formats, proving to be a key player during India’s overseas and home matches. Although she struggled initially in the ODI series against Australia, Mandhana bounced back with a stunning century (105 off 109 balls) in the third ODI. This performance set the tone for her dominant display in the following home series against the West Indies.
Smriti Mandhana Nominated for ICC Women’s Player of the Month
Smriti Mandhana has been nominated for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for December, alongside Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland and South African spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba. The dynamic Indian left-hander stood out with her impressive performances across formats.
In three T20Is against the West Indies, Mandhana scored 193 runs at an exceptional average of 64.33, with a highest score of 77. In six ODIs during December, the 28-year-old amassed 270 runs at an average of 45, including a top score of 105.
Although she struggled in the first two ODIs on the Australian tour, Mandhana made a strong comeback with a century in the third game at the WACA in Perth. She also achieved a remarkable milestone, setting the record for most hundreds (4) in Women’s ODIs in a single calendar year. Additionally, she contributed a stellar 91 in one of the ODIs against the West Indies, further cementing her dominance.
Also Read: India Loses Border-Gavaskar Trophy After 7 Years in Sydney
Smriti Mandhana’s Performances Lead India to Victory
Smriti Mandhana delivered outstanding performances in the T20I series against the West Indies, scoring three consecutive half-centuries to help India secure a 2-1 series win. Her impressive ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a strong strike rate highlighted her as one of the top batters in women’s cricket.
In ODIs, Mandhana accumulated 270 runs across six matches, averaging 45.00 with a strike rate of 91.52. In T20Is, she scored 193 runs in just three matches, with an impressive average of 64.33 and a strike rate of 159.50. Her consistent run of form further solidified her reputation as a key player for India.
Sutherland and Mlaba Shine with Stellar Performances
Australia’s dominance in December’s ODI series was heavily influenced by the exceptional form of 23-year-old Annabel Sutherland. Across five matches, she amassed an impressive 269 runs at an average of 67.25. Her standout moments included a brilliant 110-run innings against India in the third ODI in Perth and an unbeaten 105 against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
Sutherland’s all-round brilliance extended to her bowling, where she claimed nine wickets, including an outstanding spell of 4 for 39 against India at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane. Thanks to her contributions, Australia solidified their position at the top of the ICC Women’s Championship standings.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba made history during the one-off Test against England in Bloemfontein. Despite the Proteas losing the match, Mlaba became the first South African woman to take a 10-wicket haul in Test cricket. In addition to her Test heroics, Mlaba featured in three ODIs last month, scoring 20 runs and taking two wickets.
Both players have demonstrated their immense talent, leaving a significant mark on the international stage.
Also Check: Major Sports Events 2025
FAQs
Q.1. Who are the ICC Women’s Player of the Month nominees for December?
Ans. Smriti Mandhana, Annabel Sutherland, and Nonkululeko Mlaba have been nominated for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month Award for December.
Q.2. What were Smriti Mandhana’s performances in December?
Ans. Smriti Mandhana scored 270 runs in ODIs and 193 runs in T20Is, including a century against Australia and three half-centuries against the West Indies.
Q.3. How did Annabel Sutherland perform in December?
Ans. Annabel Sutherland scored 269 runs and took nine wickets in December, including a match-winning 110 against India and an unbeaten 105 against New Zealand.
Q.4. What historic achievement did Nonkululeko Mlaba accomplish in December?
Ans. Nonkululeko Mlaba became the first South African woman to take a 10-wicket haul in a Women’s Test during the one-off match against England.
Q.5. What was Smriti Mandhana’s record in Women’s ODIs in December?
Ans. Smriti Mandhana set the record for most hundreds (4) in Women’s ODIs in a single calendar year, with one of those hundreds being a match-winning 105 against Australia.
