Shining Bright: Five Emerging Stars Of The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023

At the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa, the grandest stage showcased big names shining bright. Australia secured their sixth title, and top players globally left a lasting impression. However, it wasn’t just the established stars who stole the show. Let’s explore five players who enjoyed breakout tournaments.

Muneeba Ali – Pakistan

During the tournament, Muneeba Ali, Pakistan’s bespectacled batter, showcased her vast international experience in the T20 format, but it was at this event where she truly announced herself as a top-level player. Her outstanding century against Ireland was a testament to her undeniable talent, leaving fans eager to see what lies ahead for this skilled batter.

Muneeba’s remarkable knock of 102 stood as the World Cup’s highest individual score, yet she faced disappointment with two low scores in her final two tournament appearances. Nonetheless, her talent and potential continue to intrigue, leaving us eagerly awaiting her future performances.

Orla Prendergast – Ireland

In Ireland’s campaign in South Africa, the 20-year-old all-rounder, Prendergast, made a remarkable impact, earning her place in the ICC Team of the Tournament. Her outstanding performances included scoring 109 runs, with a notable 61 against West Indies. Additionally, she displayed excellent fielding skills and played a crucial role as Ireland’s main strike pace bowler.

Prendergast’s three key wickets during the tournament were none other than Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, and Sophia Dunkley— an impressive set of scalps, indeed. Her exceptional all-round abilities showcased her potential as a rising star in the cricketing world.

Marufa Akter – Bangladesh

Marufa, one of the shining stars of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup earlier in January, proved her capability to make a similar impact at the senior level through a series of outstanding performances.

Displaying remarkable speed as one of the quickest bowlers in the tournament, she consistently posed a wicket-taking threat during the early Powerplay overs, injecting vigor into Bangladesh’s bowling attack.

In a brilliant individual display, Marufa took all three wickets in the Powerplay against Sri Lanka, giving Bangladesh a genuine chance of defending their total of 126 in their group match. Furthermore, she claimed the prized scalp of Beth Mooney during the match against Australia.

With her tender age of just 18, Marufa’s immense talent holds tremendous excitement for the future of Bangladesh’s cricket.

Harshitha Samarawickrama – Sri Lanka

Chamari Athapaththu will undoubtedly feel a sense of relief as her younger opening partner, Samarawickrama, showcased exceptional performances during the tournament.

In a crucial match for Sri Lanka, Samarawickrama rose to the occasion. While chasing down 127 against Bangladesh, she held her ground amidst the fall of three wickets in the Powerplay, orchestrated by Marufa’s superb bowling. Samarawickrama not only laid the foundation for a successful chase but also accelerated the innings, easing the pressure of a rising required run rate. Her outstanding knock culminated with a match-defining 69* off 50 balls, with the winning runs hit to the boundary.

Moreover, the 24-year-old displayed brilliance against eventual champions Australia, top-scoring and providing her team with a competitive total to work with. Samarawickrama’s performances proved to be a valuable asset for Sri Lanka throughout the tournament.

Karishma Ramharack – West Indies

In the right-arm off-spinner Ramharack, West Indies possesses a highly valuable player. Despite being relatively inexperienced at the international level, the 28-year-old has already solidified her position as a key member of the first-choice bowling attack for the team. With her clever spin bowling, Ramharack consistently keeps things tight for the opposition, presenting a considerable threat.

Throughout the tournament, she showcased her prowess by taking five wickets at an impressive average of 10. However, what truly set Ramharack apart was her exceptional economy rate, making her incredibly challenging to score off. Among the front-line bowlers, only Sophie Ecclestone boasted a better economy rate over the course of the tournament.

Her exceptional performances did not go unnoticed, as Ramharack deservedly earned her spot in the ICC Team of the Tournament, further establishing her as a standout talent for West Indies.