The stage is set and the spotlight beams on four associate nations whose women’s teams have stunned, smashed records, and soared in 2024. These sides didn’t just play cricket—they lit up the field, rewriting narratives and redefining excellence. Let’s dive into the incredible journeys of the regional winners and global nominees for the ICC Associate Member Women’s Team Performance of the Year.
Nigeria – Fearless in Green and Gold
Representing Africa with boundless energy and a fierce drive, Nigeria emerged as a dominant force this season. They contested 17 T20Is, clinching 10 victories, suffering 6 losses, and watching 1 match end with no result. Their most resounding triumph came against Malawi, where they piled up a mammoth 180 runs—their highest total during the qualifying period. It was a show of pure class, with Lucky Piety delivering a whirlwind 70 off 48 balls and backing it up with 1/14, while Peculiar Agboya tightened the noose with 2/14, ultimately restricting Malawi to just 90/6—a 90-run victory that sent ripples across the region.
When it came to consistency, Salome Sunday led with the bat, aggregating 306 runs across 17 matches, highlighted by a fluent 48*. Lucky Piety continued her all-round brilliance, scoring 211 runs with a top score of 70, and scalping 11 wickets, including a best of 3/14. The real destruction, however, came from Lillian Udeh, who topped the bowling charts with 27 wickets, peaking at 6/7, followed by Peculiar Agboya with 23 wickets and a best of 3/11.
United Arab Emirates – Desert Dominance Unleashed
From the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates brought precision, flair, and ruthlessness to the cricketing arena. In 20 T20Is, they clinched 13 wins and tasted defeat 7 times. Their zenith came against Oman, when they hammered 176 runs—their highest score in the timeframe—thanks to the genius of Esha Oza, who carved an unbeaten 114 off just 69 balls, then struck with the ball for 1/4. Suraksha Kotte’s 3/9 and Heena Hotchandani’s 2/1 left Oman reeling and all out for a paltry 28, resulting in a jaw-dropping 148-run win.
There was simply no stopping Esha Oza, who piled on a staggering 711 runs in 20 games, with her unbeaten 114 standing tall as the highest individual score among nominees. She also chipped in with 16 wickets, proving her mettle as a true all-rounder. Theertha Satish was another pillar of strength, racking up 442 runs. The bowling attack was anchored by Vaishnave Mahesh, who scalped 24 wickets with a best of 3/16, while Kavisha Egodage grabbed 22 wickets, peaking at 3/3.
Scotland – Bravehearts Making a Statement
Europe’s challengers, Scotland, showcased grit and growing promise throughout the year. In a short yet action-packed season comprising 12 T20Is, they managed 6 wins and endured 6 losses. Their standout moment came in a powerful clash against Uganda, where they amassed 161 runs, their highest during this cycle. It was a batting clinic by Saskia Horley, who remained unbeaten on 61 off 52 balls, and Ailsa Lister, whose attacking 55 not out off 34 added fuel to the fire. In response, Rachel Slater turned up the heat with a sensational 5/17, bundling out Uganda for just 52.
With the bat, Kathryn Bryce led the run tally, amassing 253 runs from 9 matches, including the best of 63 not out, and also played a crucial bowling role with 11 wickets, boasting a best of 4/18. Ailsa Lister followed with 162 runs, adding valuable contributions at the top. Rachel Slater was their strike weapon, topping the wicket charts with 13 wickets, her best being the iconic 5/17.
Indonesia – Trailblazers from Southeast Asia
Flying the Asian flag high with raw flair and historic spells, Indonesia took their game several notches higher in 2024. In 16 T20Is, they bagged 13 wins and conceded just 3 defeats. Their hallmark display came against Mongolia, where they racked up 151 runs, propelled by Ni Putu AN Sakarini’s explosive 61 off 44 balls. But the moment that stole headlines was Rohmalia Rohmalia’s dream spell—7 wickets for 0 runs—a record etched in gold, as Mongolia folded for just 24, giving Indonesia a thumping 127-run win.
Indonesia’s top scorer was Ni Luh KW Ratna Dewi, who collected 344 runs across 16 matches, peaking at 78, and also grabbed 11 wickets with the best of 2/2. Right behind her was Ni Putu AN Sakarini, who chalked up 335 runs, including an unbeaten 71. Their bowling spearhead was Ni Wayan Sariani, claiming 24 wickets with a best of 4/2, while Lie Qiao contributed significantly with 13 wickets, her best being 4/9.
With staggering spells, blistering centuries, and unforgettable moments, all four of these associate teams have left a lasting impression. From Nigeria’s spirited rise, UAE’s clinical dominance, Scotland’s tactical brilliance, to Indonesia’s sensational breakthroughs, these nominees prove that the future of women’s cricket is bright—and wonderfully global.
