ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament: Full Best XI Revealed

The Dominance of Australia and the Rise of Global Talent

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has officially come to an end, cementing Australia’s status as the undisputed powerhouse of women’s cricket. Australia defeated England by 7 wickets in the final to lift a record-extending seventh Women’s T20 World Cup title. Opener Beth Mooney starred in the final with a match-winning innings and was named Player of the Match, while her outstanding performances throughout the tournament also earned her the prestigious Player of the Tournament award. Following the conclusion of the final, the ICC announced its official team of the tournament. Below is an in-depth analysis of the elite players who secured their places in this prestigious squad.

The Top Order: Explosive and Reliable Run-Scorers

1. Danni Wyatt-Hodge (England)

England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer, accumulating an outstanding 302 runs. She averaged 60.50 and scored at a strike rate close to 150. Her stellar campaign kicked off with a brilliant century against Sri Lanka, followed by two crucial half-centuries. Wyatt-Hodge etched her name in history by becoming the first batter in Women’s T20 World Cup history to score more than 300 runs in a single edition. Although she could not deliver the final blow in the title clash, her sheer consistency made her an automatic choice for the opening slot.

2. Beth Mooney (Australia)

Beth Mooney once again demonstrated why she is one of the ultimate big-match players in world cricket. The Australian opener registered 238 runs in seven matches, averaging 47.60 with an impressive strike rate above 142. Mooney played another memorable knock in the final, compiling a match-winning fifty to guide her team over the line. Remarkably, this was her third consecutive half-century in a Women’s T20 World Cup final, having achieved the same milestone in the 2020 and 2023 editions.

3. Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)

Nat Sciver-Brunt carried England’s batting lineup almost single-handedly during key moments of the campaign. She accumulated 227 runs in just four matches at an extraordinary average of 113.50. Despite missing a portion of the tournament due to injury, she made a sensational comeback in the semi-final, scoring a superb 75 to help England defeat South Africa. Sciver-Brunt remained unbeaten on 58 in the final, proving her world-class credentials even in defeat.

The Powerhouse Middle Order and Dynamic All-Rounders

4. Ellyse Perry (Australia)

Ellyse Perry delivered another masterclass in all-round cricket, stepping up with both bat and ball when Australia needed it most. She contributed 198 runs at an average of 49.50 and claimed four crucial wickets. Perry’s individual brilliance was recognized with three Player of the Match awards during Australia’s title-winning campaign, proving her enduring quality on the world stage.

5. Orla Prendergast (Ireland)

Ireland’s rising star Orla Prendergast enjoyed an exceptional breakthrough tournament. The talented all-rounder scored 181 runs in five matches and also claimed six wickets at an average of 20.33. Demonstrating immense tactical versatility, Prendergast often opened the bowling for Ireland while simultaneously anchoring the middle order, solidifying her status as one of her nation’s most valuable players.

6. Nilakshi Silva (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka’s Nilakshi Silva finished the tournament with 148 runs in five matches and contributed one wicket. Even though Sri Lanka was unable to progress beyond the highly competitive group stage, Silva stood out as the team’s most dependable middle-order batter, engineering several crucial, high-pressure knocks to keep her side competitive.

7. Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)

South African icon Marizanne Kapp delivered vital contributions in all departments of the game. She scored 124 runs at an average of 31 and collected eight wickets with her clinical bowling. Her standout performance came against India, where her unbeaten 81 and two wickets secured a famous victory that paved the way for South Africa’s semi-final qualification. That performance rightfully earned her the Player of the Match honors.

8. Ash Gardner (Australia)

Ash Gardner played the role of Australia’s premier finisher to perfection. She amassed 150 runs in six matches at an exceptional average of 50 and a blistering strike rate of 170.45. Gardner registered two half-centuries, including a vital unbeaten 35 in the semi-final, while also chipping in with three wickets to provide essential balance to the champions’ lineup.

The Bowling Architects and Tactical Leaders

9. Fatima Sana (Pakistan)

Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana put on a sensational all-round display. She scored 85 runs and scalped 11 wickets in five matches. Sana showed exceptional consistency by taking at least one wicket in every single group-stage game. Despite Pakistan failing to reach the knockout rounds, her leadership and individual brilliance made her a standout performer of the tournament.

10. Sophie Molineux (Australia) – Captain

Tactically astute and highly effective, Australia’s captain Sophie Molineux led her team flawlessly throughout the campaign. Molineux picked up 11 wickets across seven matches while maintaining an incredibly restrictive economy rate of just 6.25. Under her brilliant leadership, Australia executed a perfect, undefeated campaign, winning all seven of their matches to lift the trophy.

11. Shree Charani (India)

India’s young spin sensation Shree Charani finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker. The 21-year-old took 14 wickets in just five matches, breaking Poonam Yadav’s long-standing Indian record of 10 wickets in a single Women’s T20 World Cup edition. Her stellar performances also propelled her to the top of the ICC individual bowling rankings during the tournament.

12th Player: Darcey Carter (Scotland)

Scotland’s Darcey Carter earned the 12th player position after scoring 208 runs in five matches. Her signature performance came during Scotland’s historic victory over the West Indies, where she constructed a superb knock of 59 runs. Carter concluded her campaign as the tournament’s fifth-highest run-scorer, marking a highly successful debut showing for her country.

Official Team of the Tournament Lineup

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament: Danni Wyatt-Hodge (England), Beth Mooney (Australia), Nat Sciver-Brunt (England), Ellyse Perry (Australia), Orla Prendergast (Ireland), Nilakshi Silva (Sri Lanka), Marizanne Kapp (South Africa), Ash Gardner (Australia), Fatima Sana (Pakistan), Sophie Molineux (Australia) (Captain), Shree Charani (India).

12th Player: Darcey Carter (Scotland)