The 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup has been a thrilling showcase of talent, and as the tournament heads into its final stages, the focus is now on the nine incredible players nominated for the prestigious Player of the Tournament award. Leading the charge for the women in blue are two remarkable players, Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma, whose consistent performances have powered their team to the semis.
For cricket fans in India, Smriti Mandhana has been a source of pure delight. The opener currently tops the tournament’s run-scoring charts. even after a slump in form at the start of the tournament. In just 7 matches, Smriti Mandhana has piled up 365 runs at a brilliant average of 60.83. Her biggest moment came with a stunning knock of 109 against New Zealand, a crucial century that secured India’s spot in the semi-finals. She’s been the backbone of the batting line-up, showing great class and courage in every game.
Also Read: Will Smriti Mandhana break her knock-out curse against Australia?
Just as important has been the all-round performance of Deepti Sharma. Known for her witty spin bowling and reliable batting, the veteran has been a true game-changer. She is the joint-top wicket-taker in the tournament, having grabbed 15 wickets in 7 matches, which includes a best of 4/51 against England. She has also added valuable runs down the order, chipping in with 133 runs, proving her worth as India’s most reliable all-rounder.
They are joined by a powerful group of international stars. Australia dominates the list with four nominees, including Alyssa Healy, who has an extraordinary average of 98 from her four innings, and spinner Alana King, whose magical spell of 7/18 against South Africa set a new World Cup record.
Ashleigh Gardner stood out with the fastest century of the tournament (115) and has been included in the list, along with teammate Annabel Sutherland, who shares the top wicket-taker spot with Deepti Sharma (15 wickets).
Rounding out the nominees are England’s top scorer in the tournament, Heather Knight (288 runs), and the South African duo of captain Laura Wolvaardt (301 runs) and lower-order batter Nadine de Klerk, making this a truly competitive race for the Player of the Tournament title for the Indian duo of Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma..
