Two Indian Women Openers Named as Player of the Month for July 2024

In the recent update received from the ICC body, Two Indian openers have been shortlisted for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for July 2024.

Smriti Mandhana

Smriti Mandhana has been nominated for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for the second consecutive month after winning the honor in June 2024. Mandhana continued her exceptional form into July, starting with a career-best 149 in the one-off Test against South Africa. She and Shafali Verma put together a record-breaking 292-run partnership for the first wicket, the highest ever in Women’s Tests, leading India to a massive first-innings total and a 10-wicket victory.

Mandhana also impressed in the T20I series against South Africa, scoring 100 runs in two innings, including an unbeaten 54 in the final T20I, which helped India secure a 10-wicket win and level the series.

In the Asia Cup, Mandhana was India’s top scorer, amassing 173 runs, including 60 off 47 balls in the final. Overall, she scored 273 runs in T20Is in July, averaging 68.25 with a strike rate of 139.28.

Shafali Verma

Shafali Verma, India’s other regular opener, is also nominated for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for July. Verma scored 229 runs in the Test format and 245 runs in T20Is during this period.

In her standout partnership with Mandhana, Shafali became the second Indian woman to score a double century in Tests, achieving this milestone in just 194 balls, the fastest double hundred in Women’s Tests. Her score of 205 helped India post a record total of 603/6, the highest ever in Women’s Tests. Shafali also contributed with a wicket in the second innings and a quick 24* in the chase, securing a convincing win for India.

In the T20I series against South Africa, Shafali added 45 runs before continuing her prolific run in the Asia Cup. She was the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 200 runs at a strike rate of 140.84. Her notable performances included a brisk 40 off 29 balls against Pakistan and a career-best 81 off 48 balls, featuring 12 fours and a six, against Nepal.