Three contenders are vying for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for June, featuring an established performer and two promising talents.
Maia Bouchier (England)
Maia Bouchier, eyeing her second ICC Women’s Player of the Month award in 2024, showcased a stellar performance in June. Transitioning from middle-order batter to opener, Bouchier impressed with 167 runs across two matches against the White Ferns. Her notable innings included a brisk 67 off 50 balls in a partnership of 137 runs with Tammy Beaumont, leading England to a commanding nine-wicket victory in the first ODI at Chester-le-Street. In the subsequent ODI, she elevated her performance further, scoring an unbeaten 100 off 88 balls to seal another win and earn the Player of the Match accolade.
Smriti Mandhana (India)
Smriti Mandhana shone brightly during India’s series against South Africa, contributing significantly with the bat in both ODIs and Tests. Mandhana’s standout performances included back-to-back centuries in the ODIs (117 and 136), instrumental in India’s 3-0 series triumph. Her overall tally of 343 runs at an average of 114.33 and a strike rate of 103.93 showcased her dominance. Additionally, in the Test match, she scored 149 runs, guiding India to their highest-ever total in Women’s Tests and a comprehensive victory by ten wickets.
Vishmi Gunaratne (Sri Lanka)
Vishmi Gunaratne, the Sri Lankan captain from the 2023 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, continued to excel at the senior level in June. Leading her team against West Indies, Gunaratne’s all-round contributions were pivotal in Sri Lanka’s series sweep. She earned the Player of the Series award for her consistent batting, accumulating 134 runs at an average of 44.66 and a strike rate of 83.22 across the ODIs. Her scores of 40, 50, and 44 played crucial roles in Sri Lanka’s victories, marking their first whitewash of West Indies since 2008. Gunaratne carried her good form into the T20I series, contributing 61 runs and concluding the month with a total of 195 international runs.
These performances highlight the competitive edge among the nominees for the prestigious award.
