Indian cricket superstar Smriti Mandhana demonstrated global supremacy by winning the ODI Cricketer of Year award for 2024 marking her second time receiving the prestigious honor. In last year’s awards ceremony the left-handed opener achieved her latest ODI Cricketer of the Year title after also winning it during 2018. The tremendous performances she produced this year made India proud while securing her standing among women’s cricket’s legendary batters.
This blog investigates how Mandhana made history during her record-shattering year including analysis of her signature games and an evaluation of this accomplishment for Indian cricket.
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Smriti Mandhana: The ODI Cricketer of the Year
The 2024 cricket year brought an amazing string of accomplishments to Smriti Mandhana. Mandhana outperformed her international competitors Chamari Athapaththu from Sri Lanka and Annabel Sutherland from Australia and Laura Wolvaardt from South Africa to become the unchallenged ODI Cricketer of the Year.
Here’s a quick look at her jaw-dropping stats:
- The world record of 747 runs during 13 matches belongs to Mandhana in 2024.
- A phenomenal batting average of 57.86 and a strike rate of 95.15.
- 4 centuries in a single year, setting a new record in women’s ODIs.
- Through her powerful and reliable batting technique Mandhana hit over 100 boundaries in 2024.
Across the year Smriti Mandhana distinguished herself as the year’s prime player through her ability to bring consistent results when facing conventional opponents across tense circumstances.
Iconic Performances That Defined Mandhana’s 2024
Throughout Mandhana’s 2024 season spectators alongside cricket experts marveled at the amazing moments that kept building upon each other. Here are some of her most iconic performances:
- Back-to-Back Centuries Against South Africa
Mandhana began her year by smashing two consecutive hundreds during the matches against South Africa. The season started with strong forward momentum as she adapted well to changing conditions to become the top performer throughout a historic year that followed. - Series-Deciding Century Against New Zealand
Mandhana struck a match-winning century during India’s high-stakes series decider against New Zealand. During crucial situations she showed why she is considered one of cricket’s elite players with her serene approach to hitting. - Valiant 105 Against Australia in Perth
The Australian bowling assault ranked as one of cricket history’s strongest faced Mandhana during her Perth performance when she made 105 memorable runs. Mandhana’s 77-run innings delivered half the team’s total score despite India’s match defeat in those difficult playing conditions.
Her strong batting performances led India to vital tournament wins and demonstrated her success at international competitions.
Dominance in the ICC Women’s Championship
Mandhana proved her match-winner abilities through performances which stretched beyond independent matches. Mandhana earned the ICC Women’s Championship leading run average by hammering 1358 runs across her 24 matches. Mandhana consistently produced results in important matches which powered India to victory in tournament play.
Through her exceptional performances in the ICC Women’s Championship she solidified her position as the ODI Cricketer of the Year while becoming a genuine cricketing legend.
A Look at the All-Time ODI Cricketer of the Year Winners
Among numerous elite cricket heroes Smriti Mandhana stands as one who received the prestigious ODI Cricketer of the Year award. Here’s a look at the past winners:
- 2012 – Stafanie Taylor (West Indies)
- 2013 – Suzie Bates (New Zealand)
- 2014 – Sarah Taylor (England)
- 2015 – Meg Lanning (Australia)
- 2016 – Suzie Bates (New Zealand)
- 2017 – Amy Satterthwaite (New Zealand)
- 2018 – Smriti Mandhana (India)
- 2019 – Ellyse Perry (Australia)
- 2021 – Lizelle Lee South (Africa)
- 2022 – Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)
- 2023 – Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)
- 2024 – Smriti Mandhana (India)
Smriti Mandhana earned her second ODI Cricketer of the Year recognition because of her sustained excellence in 50-over matches during the past year.
Why Smriti Mandhana’s Achievement Matters
Smriti Mandhana accomplished her second ODI Cricketer of the Year honor which represents both her own success and the pride of Indian cricket. Here’s why this achievement is significant:
- Inspiration for Young Cricketers
Through her successful story young women in India see inspiration to pursue cricket while pursuing ambitious goals. Starting from a small town girl position she developed into an iconic cricketer through her disciplined efforts alongside steadfast determination and endless love for the sport. - Elevating Indian Women’s Cricket
Through her achievements Mandhana succeeded in raising worldwide recognition for India’s women’s cricket. Mandhana elevates both individual team excellence and nationwide recognition for women’s cricket in India while she elevates the Indian women’s cricket team locally and internationally. - Setting New Benchmarks
Mandhana has established new record-breaking milestones that have reshaped women’s cricket at international competition levels. Her globally effective consistency against elite international opposition teams has transformed the definition of elite bat smacking skills for all time.
Conclusion: Smriti Mandhana’s Legacy
The ODI Cricketer of the Year honor has marked two exciting victories for Smriti Mandhana. Smriti Mandhana achieved record-breaking performances during 2024 which established new benchmarks across women’s cricket while carrying honor to India.
Mandhana’s ongoing dominance of cricket shoulders an inspirational example to upcoming cricketers all around the globe. Through her pressure-resistant performance and continual success and her avid devotion to cricket she has become a living legend of her sport.
Congratulations to Smriti Mandhana on this historic achievement! I wish more centuries more records and more adoration for this amazing sports star will come while celebrating more achievements in the future.
Read more: HISTORIC: Jasprit Bumrah Wins ICC Test Cricketer of the Year!
FAQ
What is the ODI Cricketer of the Year award?
The ODI Cricketer of the Year award is an annual honor given by the ICC to the best-performing cricketer in One Day Internationals.
How many times has Smriti Mandhana won the ODI Cricketer of the Year award?
Smriti Mandhana has won the award twice, in 2018 and 2024.
Who were the other nominees for the 2024 ODI Cricketer of the Year award?
The other nominees were Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka), Annabel Sutherland (Australia), and Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa).
Why is Smriti Mandhana’s win significant?
Mandhana’s win highlights her consistency, record-breaking performances, and her ability to dominate against the best teams in the world.
