Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana has been named captain of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier ‘Team of the Tournament’, as standout performers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, West Indies and Scotland earned their places in the elite XI. The ICC, on April 20, announced the top performers who lit up the tournament with bat, ball, and all-round brilliance. With the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 to be held in India later this year, hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh have secured their spots through the qualifiers. The tournament saw exceptional talent rise from multiple nations, setting the stage for a thrilling World Cup ahead.
ICC picks Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifier 2025 team of the tournament
1. Hayley Matthews (West Indies)
240 runs | HS: 114 | 13 wickets | BBI: 4/24 | 4 catches
The West Indies skipper was a force of nature, combining elite batting with sharp bowling throughout the tournament. Her 114 against Scotland, despite battling injury, stood out as a moment of sheer willpower. Notably, she ended as the leading wicket-taker, claiming 13 scalps at an average of under 16. Her final act, a rapid 70 off 29 balls against Thailand, also included the second-fastest half-century in Women’s ODI history (21 balls).
2. Muneeba Ali (Pakistan)
223 runs | HS: 71 | 2 catches
A consistent performer at the top, Muneeba set the tone for Pakistan’s innings in nearly every game. Her knock of 71 vs Scotland helped her side recover from early setbacks to chase down 187, anchoring Pakistan’s progression in a high-pressure situation.
3. Sharmin Akhter (Bangladesh)
266 runs | HS: 94 | 1 catch
A pillar of resilience for Bangladesh, Sharmin held her ground across the tournament. Her 94 against Thailand and a composed 57 vs Scotland demonstrated her ability to build innings and provide stability. She finished as the second-highest run-getter in the tournament.
4. Player of the Tournament: Kathryn Bryce (Scotland)
293 runs | HS: 131 | 6 wickets | BBI: 3/49
Kathryn Bryce delivered on all fronts, batting, bowling, and leadership. She topped the run charts, with her 131 against Ireland rescuing her side from 19/3. Later, she chipped in with three wickets to nearly swing the game in Scotland’s favour. Her all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Tournament award.
5. Wicketkeeper-Batter: Nigar Sultana (Bangladesh)
241 runs | HS: 101 | 2 catches | 3 stumpings
The Bangladesh captain led from the front, with crucial knocks of 101, 51, and *83 during the qualifiers. Behind the stumps, she was equally effective with five dismissals, proving vital in Bangladesh’s successful qualification.
6. Captain & All-Rounder: Fatima Sana (Pakistan)
103 runs | HS: 62 | 12 wickets | BBI: 4/23
Leading Pakistan to World Cup qualification, Sana starred with both ball and bat. Her standout bowling performance was 4/23 vs Scotland, while her 62 against Thailand rescued the side from a precarious 85/4. Despite a niggling injury, she delivered match-winning efforts throughout and deservedly captains the Team of the Tournament.
7. Chinelle Henry (West Indies)
171 runs | HS: 51 | 1 wicket | 4 catches
Chinelle brought energy and firepower to the Windies’ middle order. She smashed an explosive 51 off 48 balls vs Bangladesh and hit 48 off just 17 balls against Thailand, hammering five sixes. Her impact often shifted momentum in West Indies’ favour.
8. Aaliyah Alleyne (West Indies)
63 runs | HS: 22 | 12 wickets | BBI: 4/39 | 2 catches
Alleyne was a consistent threat with the ball, picking up wickets in every game and delivering a memorable 4/39 vs Bangladesh. She also contributed useful cameos with the bat down the order.
9. Katherine Fraser (Scotland)
77 runs | HS: 33 | 10 wickets | BBI: 3/28
Fraser’s control with the ball and clutch performances made her stand out. Her highlight was the match against West Indies, where she scored a vital 25 and took 3 wickets, including Matthews, to seal a famous win for Scotland.
10. Nashra Sandhu (Pakistan)
10 wickets | BBI: 3/19 | 1 catch
Sandhu bowled with clever variation and calm under pressure. Her match-defining performance came against West Indies, removing Chinelle Henry and Jannillea Glasgow to restrict the opposition.
11. Sadia Iqbal (Pakistan)
9 wickets | BBI: 3/28
Sadia complemented Sandhu perfectly with tight lines and a miserly economy under 4. Her nine wickets were critical in ensuring Pakistan’s grip during the middle overs.
12th Player: Rabeya Khan (Bangladesh)
6 wickets | BBI: 3/39 | Economy: 3.72
Rabeya’s leg-spin offered Bangladesh control in key phases. Her 3/39 vs Ireland helped the team contain the opposition and secure victory. She was a valuable supporting act to Bangladesh’s main bowlers.
Also READ: Explained: Why Pakistan won’t play in India despite qualifying for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025?
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
