ICC shortlists nine candidates for Player of the Tournament award, Richa Ghosh only Indian

India's wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh is the only Indian among nine players shortlisted for the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award for the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023.

India were knocked out of the tournament after they failed to overcome the Australian challenge in the first semi-final on Thursday, February 23. The Women in Blue came mighty close to defeating the five-time champions in the knockout game, but eventually lost by five runs. 

Ghosh was the second-highest run scorer for India in the tournament as she scored 136 runs in five innings at an average of 68 and a strike rate of 130.76. Richa was excellent as a finisher throughout the tournament. She played some crucial knocks against Pakistan and West Indies to help India chase down their target in both matches. 

The 19-year-old also scored a magnificent 34-ball 47* against England in a losing cause. The West Bengal-born batter was also impressive behind the stumps and showcased top efforts to dismiss England opener Danni Wyatt in India’s third group game.

Australian players dominate the list of players shortlisted by the ICC with three players finding themselves on the list. Two players each from England and South Africa have also made it to the list while India and West Indies have one cricketer each.

Skipper Meg Lanning, who scored 139 runs till the semi-final game of the tournament at an average of 69.50, wicket-keeper batter Alyssa Healy (171 runs, average 57) and all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner (81 runs and nine wickets) were the three Australians who made it to the list.

Total five players from the two finalist teams make the cut

All-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt who is the leading run-scorer of the tournament with 216 runs to her name at an average of 72 and spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who finished with 11 wickets with a brilliant economy of 4.15 were the two England players to make it to the list.

The two South Africans were Laura Wolvaardt, who played a key role in taking her team to the final being the second-highest run-scorer for the Proteas, and opener Tazmin Brits, whose brilliance with the bat and fielding skills handed the hosts the crucial semi-final victory.

Brits scored a phenomenal 68 off 55 balls against England in the semi-final on Friday, 24 February. She’s also the second-highest run scorer of the tournament with 176 runs to her name at an average of 44.

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews, was included for her sensational all-round performance where she scored 130 runs and picked four wickets to complete the list.