ICC Women's Player of Month July 2026: Sciver-Brunt, Matthews, Samarawickrama nominated
Synopsis
Three players, three formats, three dominant displays — Nat Sciver-Brunt's injury-defying 75 in a World Cup semi-final, Hayley Matthews' 265-run, 7-wicket series blitz, and Harshitha Samarawickrama's series-winning unbeaten 71 in Hambantota make July 2026 one of the richest months of women's cricket performances in recent memory.
Key Takeaways
Nat Sciver-Brunt (England) nominated for her 75 in the T20 World Cup semi-final and 58 off 53 in the final at Lord's , despite a calf injury.
Hayley Matthews (West Indies) scored 265 runs at an average of 132.50 and took 7 wickets in a 3-0 ODI series win over Ireland, including a career-best unbeaten 159 .
Harshitha Samarawickrama (Sri Lanka) amassed 173 runs in Sri Lanka's 2-1 ODI series win over Pakistan, winning the Player of the Series award.
Samarawickrama's unbeaten 71 off 92 balls in the series decider at Hambantota sealed a victory by eight wickets .
All three nominees performed in July 2026 across the ICC Women's T20 World Cup and bilateral ODI series.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews, and Sri Lanka batter Harshitha Samarawickrama have been shortlisted for the ICC Women's Player of the Month award for July 2026. The three nominees delivered standout performances across the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 and bilateral ODI series during the month.
Nat Sciver-Brunt's Knockout Heroics
Nat Sciver-Brunt earned her nomination by anchoring England's batting through the knockout rounds of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, played on home soil — and she did so while managing a calf injury sustained during the tournament.
In the semi-final against South Africa, Sciver-Brunt walked in with England reeling at 23 for 3 inside the first four overs and responded with a crucial 75, winning the Player of the Match award. She followed that up by top-scoring with 58 off 53 balls in the final against Australia at Lord's, sharing a 133-run fourth-wicket partnership with Heather Knight. Despite the effort, England could not clinch the title in front of their home crowd.
Hayley Matthews Dominates Ireland ODI Series
Hayley Matthews produced one of the most complete all-round series displays in recent women's cricket during West Indies' 3-0 ODI series win over Ireland in July 2026.
She opened the series with a career-best unbeaten 159 and figures of 3 for 52, then followed it with another century — off just 94 balls — alongside a spell of 2 for 34 in the second match. Matthews finished the series with 265 runs at an average of 132.50 and seven wickets, underlining her status as one of the most dangerous all-rounders in the women's game.
Harshitha Samarawickrama Stars in Sri Lanka's Series Win
Harshitha Samarawickrama was the decisive force in Sri Lanka's 2-1 ODI series victory over Pakistan, accumulating 173 runs across the series to claim the Player of the Series award.
After a quiet opening game, the left-handed batter struck a brilliant 100 off 119 balls in a 203-run partnership with Vishmi Gunaratne in the second ODI. She then anchored a successful chase of 188 with an unbeaten 71 off 92 balls in the series decider at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota, sealing victory by eight wickets.
What's Next
Voting for the ICC Women's Player of the Month — July 2026 is now open, with fans and a voting panel expected to determine the winner. The award recognises individual excellence across all formats of the international women's game each calendar month.
Point of View
But Matthews' all-round numbers (265 runs, 7 wickets, average 132.50) are statistically the most dominant series performance. Samarawickrama's selection reflects the growing depth of Sri Lanka women's cricket, a team that has quietly become a series-winning unit against Asian rivals. The ICC's monthly award has at times favoured headline tournaments over bilateral results — Matthews' case tests whether that bias holds.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the ICC Women's Player of the Month nominees for July 2026?
The three nominees are England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews, and Sri Lanka batter Harshitha Samarawickrama. All three were shortlisted for standout performances during July 2026 in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup and bilateral ODI series.
Why was Nat Sciver-Brunt nominated for the ICC Women's Player of Month?
Sciver-Brunt earned her nomination for leading England's batting in the T20 World Cup 2026 knockout stages despite a calf injury. She scored 75 in the semi-final against South Africa and 58 off 53 balls in the final against Australia at Lord's.
What did Hayley Matthews achieve in July 2026?
Matthews scored 265 runs at an average of 132.50 and took seven wickets in West Indies' 3-0 ODI series win over Ireland. Her career-best unbeaten 159 in the first match, combined with her bowling figures, made her one of the standout performers of the month.
How did Harshitha Samarawickrama help Sri Lanka beat Pakistan?
Samarawickrama scored 173 runs across the series, including a century in the second ODI and an unbeaten 71 off 92 balls in the series decider at Hambantota, helping Sri Lanka win by eight wickets and claim a 2-1 series victory.
Where was the T20 World Cup 2026 final held?
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final was held at Lord's Cricket Ground in England. Australia faced England in the final, with England unable to clinch the title despite Sciver-Brunt's 58 and a 133-run partnership with Heather Knight.
