Imagine a year where women's cricket reached new heights, with India crowned World Cup champions after a 50-year wait. 2025 was that year, and it deserves a team of the year to match. This isn't just about stats and trophies; it's about stories of resilience, record-breaking feats, and players pushing the boundaries of the sport. But here's where it gets controversial: with only two England players making the cut, is this a reflection of their disappointing year, or are we simply witnessing the rise of other cricketing powerhouses? And this is the part most people miss: the incredible depth of talent emerging from nations like Bangladesh, challenging the traditional dominance of the 'Big Three'.
Let's meet the women who defined 2025:
1. Smriti Mandhana (India): Radha Yadav's playful taunt about her lack of a T20 century became fuel for Mandhana's fire. Her response? A blistering 51-ball hundred at Trent Bridge, silencing critics and cementing her place as one of the most prolific batters in history. With 1,362 ODI runs in 2025, she shattered Belinda Clark's long-standing record. RCB's decision to retain her for a record-breaking 3.5 crore in the Women's Premier League feels like a steal for a player of her caliber.
2. Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) – Captain: Wolvaardt, affectionately dubbed 'Miss 360' by a fan, led South Africa with both bat and spirit. After a humiliating 69 all out against England, she rallied her team, believing in their World Cup potential. Her back-to-back centuries in the knockout stages were heroic, even if the trophy eluded them. When South Africa finally lifts the cup, expect Wolvaardt's elegant cover drive to be at the heart of the celebration.
3. Jemimah Rodrigues (India): Rodrigues' year was a rollercoaster. Dropped mid-World Cup, battling self-doubt, she emerged as a hero. Her semi-final innings against Australia, a masterclass in composure under pressure, will go down in cricket history. Reciting psalms between overs, she guided India to a record-breaking chase, setting the stage for their World Cup triumph.
4. Beth Mooney (Australia) – Wicketkeeper: Mooney's grit and versatility were on full display in 2025. Her unbeaten 94 in the Adelaide T20, a masterclass in running between the wickets, showcased her determination. Seamlessly stepping in for Alyssa Healy behind the stumps, she proved her worth as a complete cricketer, finishing the series with a staggering 409 runs.
5. Nat Sciver-Brunt (England): Taking on the England captaincy amidst the Ashes debacle was a bold move. Sciver-Brunt not only shouldered the leadership burden but also remained England's batting backbone, rescuing them from precarious situations in the World Cup. Her resilience and skill deserve recognition, even in a challenging year for English cricket.
6. Ash Gardner (Australia): Gardner transformed herself from a big-hitting cameo artist to a reliable middle-order anchor. Her two World Cup hundreds, against New Zealand and England, were match-winning innings that showcased her newfound maturity. Her 'mayo on it' catch at Hobart, a testament to her athleticism and reflexes, is a must-watch for any cricket fan.
7. Deepti Sharma (India): Sharma, the World Cup MVP and leading wicket-taker, was India's death-overs specialist. Her ability to pick up crucial wickets and contribute with the bat, including a vital half-century in the final, made her a key architect of India's success.
8. Annabel Sutherland (Australia): Sutherland's all-round brilliance was on full display in 2025. Her 163 in the only Test of the year earned her Player of the Match, while her 17 World Cup wickets showcased her bowling prowess. The friendly rivalry with teammate Ash Gardner for the title of world's best all-rounder is a testament to Australia's depth.
9. Sophie Ecclestone (England): Ecclestone's year was a testament to her mental fortitude. Facing social media backlash and battling injury, she still managed to take 42 wickets for England, including 16 in the World Cup. Her ability to perform under pressure highlights her importance to the team, and her well-being should be a priority moving forward.
10. Alana King (Australia): King's leg-spin wreaked havoc throughout the year. Her 7 for 18 against South Africa in the World Cup was a bowling masterclass. At 30, King is at the peak of her powers, and Australia is reaping the rewards of her dedication.
11. Marufa Akter (Bangladesh): Akter's hooping in-swing left batters bewildered. Her dismissal of Omaima Sohail in the World Cup was a moment of pure magic. With limited opportunities, she made every ball count, becoming the face of Bangladesh's impressive World Cup campaign. Let's hope her talent is recognized with more international and franchise opportunities.
This team of the year celebrates not just individual brilliance but also the growing global reach of women's cricket. From India's historic triumph to Bangladesh's rise, 2025 was a year that challenged perceptions and inspired a new generation of cricketers. Who will dominate in 2026? The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in this evolving story. What are your thoughts on this team selection? Who did we miss? Let the debate begin!
