Player of the Match contenders: 8 superstars to watch at ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025

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The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 promises to be a spectacular showcase of talent as eight of the world’s best teams compete from September 30 to November 2 across India and Sri Lanka. Player of the Match awards in cricket typically recognize outstanding individual performances that significantly impact match outcomes through batting excellence, bowling breakthroughs, or exceptional all-round contributions. With the tournament featuring a stellar lineup of world-class cricketers, certain players stand out as prime contenders for these prestigious individual honours based on their current form, tournament experience, and ability to deliver match-winning performances under pressure.

1. Smriti Mandhana (India)

Smriti Mandhana emerges as the tournament’s most compelling Player of the Match candidate. The Indian vice-captain currently tops the ICC ODI batting rankings with an exceptional 2025 record. Mandhana has scored four ODI centuries this year, including the second-fastest women’s ODI century off just 50 balls against Australia. Her remarkable consistency is reflected in her average of 62 in 13 innings during 2025, with match-winning knocks against top-tier opposition. As she approaches several milestones including becoming the first woman to score 1000 ODI runs in a calendar year, Mandhana’s explosive batting style and current purple patch make her the frontrunner for multiple Player of the Match awards.

2. Ellyse Perry (Australia)

Ellyse Perry brings unmatched versatility as a genuine all-rounder capable of dominating with both bat and ball. The Australian star has accumulated over 6,700 runs and taken 330 wickets across international formats, showcasing her match-winning capabilities. Perry’s recent form includes consistent contributions in Australia’s series victory over India, where she demonstrated her ability to adapt to subcontinent conditions. Her experience spanning eight World Cup victories across formats, combined with her knack for delivering in pressure situations, positions her as a strong contender for Player of the Match honours whenever Australia needs a game-changing performance.

3. Amelia Kerr (New Zealand)

Amelia Kerr stands out as one of cricket’s most dynamic all-rounders, currently ranked second in ICC T20I all-rounder rankings and fifth in ODIs. The 24-year-old leg-spinner’s credentials include holding the record for the highest individual score in women’s ODIs with her magnificent 232 not out against Ireland. Kerr’s recent triumph as Player of the Tournament in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where she led New Zealand to their maiden title, demonstrates her ability to rise to the occasion in major tournaments. Her unique combination of explosive batting and wicket-taking spin bowling makes her a constant threat to produce Player of the Match performances.

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4. Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)

Laura Wolvaardt brings exceptional batting prowess as one of only three women to score centuries in all three international formats. The South Africa captain has amassed over 4,500 ODI runs with nine centuries, including a remarkable 184 not out. Wolvaardt’s recent form includes a commanding century against Pakistan, showcasing her ability to construct substantial innings under pressure. Her tactical acumen as captain, combined with her consistent run-scoring ability averaging over 50 in ODIs, positions her perfectly to anchor match-winning performances that could earn Player of the Match recognition throughout the tournament.

5. Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)

Nat Sciver-Brunt represents the epitome of modern cricket’s complete player, currently ranked second in ICC ODI batting standings. The English captain’s recent warm-up performance of 122 against India highlighted her tournament readiness and ability to dominate quality bowling attacks. Sciver-Brunt’s exceptional all-round record includes over 4,000 ODI runs at an average above 46, complemented by crucial wickets with her medium pace. Her leadership experience and proven track record of delivering in high-pressure situations make her a prime candidate for Player of the Match awards, particularly in England’s crucial encounters.

6. Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)

Chamari Athapaththu brings unparalleled experience and proven match-winning ability to her final World Cup campaign. The 35-year-old all-rounder holds the distinction of being Sri Lanka‘s only ODI centurion, with five hundreds including her record-breaking 178 not out. Athapaththu’s leadership has guided Sri Lanka through significant achievements, including their recent Asia Cup T20 triumph. Her aggressive batting approach, useful off-spin bowling, and emotional motivation for a farewell World Cup performance create the perfect recipe for memorable Player of the Match displays on home soil.

7. Nigar Sultana Joty (Bangladesh)

Nigar Sultana Joty embodies Bangladesh’s emergence as a competitive force in women’s cricket. The wicketkeeper-captain has been instrumental in Bangladesh‘s qualification for consecutive World Cups, demonstrating leadership qualities that inspire team-wide performances. Joty’s batting credentials include over 1,000 ODI runs with crucial contributions in pressure situations. Her dual role as wicketkeeper and middle-order anchor provides multiple avenues for match-influencing performances, while her experience of Bangladesh’s maiden World Cup victory against Pakistan in 2022 adds valuable tournament know-how.

8. Muneeba Ali (Pakistan)

Muneeba Ali offers Pakistan a genuine match-winner with her explosive batting capabilities. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter made history by becoming the first Pakistani woman to score a T20I century and continues to break barriers in ODI cricket. Ali’s record includes over 1,300 ODI runs with a maiden century showcasing her ability to construct significant innings. Her aggressive approach and improving consistency, combined with Pakistan’s unpredictable nature in major tournaments, creates opportunities for standout performances that could earn Player of the Match recognition and potentially upset higher-ranked opponents.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.