ICC Women's T20 WC Team of Tournament: Mooney, Charani, Wyatt-Hodge named
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament has been announced following an action-packed edition, with Australia — who lifted a record-extending seventh title — contributing the most players at five, while England, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Ireland, Sri Lanka, and Scotland also earned representation in the star-studded XII.
Australia Dominate the XI
Beth Mooney headlines the selection after being named Player of the Tournament, amassing 238 runs at an average of 47.60. The wicket-keeper-batter struck an unbeaten 61 in the semi-final against the West Indies and a match-winning 64 in the final against England at Lord's, claiming Player of the Match honours in both games while also taking five catches behind the stumps.
Veteran all-rounder Ellyse Perry continued to underline her standing as one of the sport's all-time greats, contributing 198 runs and four wickets — including an unbeaten 56 against India and figures of 2/9 against Pakistan — as she collected an eighth world title across all formats. Spinner Ash Gardner scored 150 runs at a blazing strike-rate of 170.45 alongside three wickets, with her unbeaten 53 against India among the highlights. Captain Sophie Molineux led Australia through an unbeaten tournament campaign, taking 11 wickets at an economical rate of 6.75. Marizanne Kapp, representing South Africa, rounds out the Australian-heavy core after scoring 124 runs and taking eight wickets, including an unbeaten 81 against India that propelled the Proteas into the semi-finals.
Wyatt-Hodge Makes History for England
England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer, compiling 302 runs from seven games at an average of 60.40 and a strike-rate of 149.50. She struck an unbeaten century against Sri Lanka and added two further half-centuries, becoming the first batter to register more than 300 runs in a single Women's T20 World Cup edition. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt also earns selection despite missing part of the tournament through injury, accumulating 227 runs from just four games at an extraordinary average of 113.50, including a 75 in the semi-final and an unbeaten 58 in the final.
Charani Sets Indian Record, Sana Leads Pakistan
India spinner Sree Charani claimed the tournament's leading wicket-taker honour with 14 wickets from five games, setting a new Indian record for the most wickets in a Women's T20 World Cup edition. The previous mark of 10 wickets was held by Poonam Yadav from the 2018 tournament. Pakistani captain Fatima Sana also claimed 11 wickets at an average of 11.27 alongside 85 runs, highlighted by an unbeaten 55 and figures of 3/16 against South Africa.
Ireland, Sri Lanka, and Scotland Shine
Irish all-rounder Orla Prendergast emerged as one of the tournament's breakout stars, notching 181 runs and six wickets, including a 63 and figures of 1/29 as Ireland secured a historic first Women's T20 World Cup victory. Sri Lanka's Nilakshika Silva impressed at the top of the order with 148 runs at an average of 74, including an unbeaten 54 against defending champions New Zealand. Scotland opener Darcey Carter is named the 12th player after scoring 208 runs at 52.40, including an unbeaten 72 against New Zealand, emerging as one of the stars of the first-ever 12-team Women's T20 World Cup.
What This Edition Signalled
The expanded 12-team format brought fresh talent from Ireland, Scotland, and Sri Lanka into the spotlight, signalling a broadening of the women's game at the highest level. Australia's dominance notwithstanding, the depth of individual performances across associate and emerging nations suggests the competitive landscape is shifting. The next edition will face pressure to sustain this momentum with an even wider field.