Best XI of the ICC Women's World Cup 2017

This Women’s World Cup 2017 hosted by England will be remembered for a long time as a turning point in Women’s cricket. It was a packed house at the Lord’s on the final day of the tournament when the hosts took on the surprise package of the tournament, the Indians. Viewership across the globe has augmented quite drastically and for a lot more reasons, this World Cup has been special.

Ultimately, it’s the Women’s cricket that has emerged victorious as the world has witnessed a fact that these ladies are no less than men when it comes to diving in the outfield, hitting the long ball or bowling fierce yorkers. Every ending has a new beginning and this World Cup has ended with a hope that Women’s cricket won’t be the same as the perception has changed.

All this has happened thanks to some spectacular renditions from some amazing women. Here is a list of the Best XI of the tournament, who have inspired us with their mind boggling performances through out the tournament.

1. Tammy Beaumont (England)

The Player of the Tournament in a World Cup is always considered as a massive recognition for any sportsperson and Tammy Beaumont has one in her cabinet now. The leading run scorer of the tournament with 410 runs has provided England with some wonderful starts and played a pivotal role in their triumph.

2. Sarah Taylor (England) (wk)

One of English cricket’s all time greats, Sarah Taylor pulled off some amazing catches four in all along with a couple of stumping dismissals, to go with a spectacular tally of 396 runs with the bat. She was the fourth highest run-scorer of the tournament and scored a crucial 45 in the final as well.

3. Mithali Raj (India)

Captain cool Mithali Raj fell one run short of Beaumont’s tally of 410 runs, but more importantly, she remained a long distance away from the World Cup trophy after coming so close. She has been exceptional in the tournament and was the backbone of Indian batting throughout. The highest run-scorer in Women’s cricket history is the only Indian captain (amongst men and women) to lead the side in two World Cup finals.

4. Heather Knight (England) (C)

The English captain, apart from being outstanding with the bat, did a splendid job under pressure. Knight was playing her first World Cup and the composure she has shown is worth an applause. Though Mithali came close, the English skipper turned out to be a better captain and hence, she will be leading this side. Knight scored 364 runs in the tournament and finished as the sixth highest run scorer.

5. Ellyse Perry (Australia)

Arguably the best cricketer in the world currently, Ellyse Perry is an all-rounder par excellence and she has once again delivered at the big stage. She picked up 8 wickets in eight games to go along with a staggering 404-run tally. Australia lost to India in the semi-finals but the 26-year-old’s performance was noteworthy.

6. Dane van Niekerk (South Africa)

Talk about the best all-rounders in the World, Dane van Niekerk, the South African captain is not far behind. She had the best World Cup of her life and finished as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament, to go with some crucial cameos with the bat. South Africa lost by a fine margin to England in the semi-finals, but they indeed have won praises for the effort.

7. Deepti Sharma (India)

The 19-year-old all rounder from Uttar Pradesh, India, showed exceptional grit and determination through out the course of the tournament. She finished as one of the highest wicket-takers of this edition, with 12 scalps by her name to go with 216 runs at an average of 30.85. She has a bright future ahead of her and she is definitely one of the finds of this tournament.

8. Leigh Kasperek (New Zealand)

The 25-year-old off-break bowler has been one of the best this tournament but played just 4 games for New Zealand out of the 7. Nevertheless, she picked up 10 prized scalps and made a good name for herself. This wasn’t the Blackcaps’ tournament but she remained the bright spark in their campaign.

9. Kristen Beams (Australia)

Aussie off-break bowler Beams finished as the third highest wicket taker of the tournament with 12 scalps in the tournament. The 32-year-old veteran from Tasmania picked up crucial wickets at the right time for Meg Lanning’s side and almost took her side to the final. Barring the onslaught from Harmanpreet, she had a spectacular tournament.

10. Anny Shrubsole (England)

The player of the match in the finals, Anny Shrubsole has done amazingly well in this tournament and the 6-fer in the summit clash was just a perfect icing on the cake. This was one of the best campaigns in World Cups for England and she was an integral member of the side, picking up 12 wickets and managing the responsibilities with the new ball explicitly well.

11. Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)

South Africa’s wonderful tournament would have been impossible without Marizanne Kapp’s contributions. With 13 wickets in 7 games, the medium pacer provided her team early breakthroughs in almost every game. The 27-year-old might have missed out on a golden chance to enter the finals at the Lord’s, but she will remember this World Cup for a long time.