The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is approaching. Among the many remarkable stories in this edition is the extraordinary feat of seven legendary cricketers who are set to participate in all nine editions of the tournament since its inception in 2009. These icons—Ellyse Perry, Harmanpreet Kaur, Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, Stafanie Taylor, Chamari Athapaththu, and Marizanne Kapp—have not only maintained their form at the highest level for over a decade but have also redefined the boundaries of women’s cricket with their consistency, passion, and undeniable skill. Let’s take a closer look at their incredible journeys.
Ellyse Perry (Australia)
Australia’s dynamic all-rounder Ellyse Perry has had a career marked by excellence. Since making her T20 World Cup debut in 2009, Perry made headlines in 2010, taking 8 wickets and clinching the Player of the Match award in the final, with a game-changing 3 for 18 against New Zealand that helped Australia secure their first title. Although injury sidelined her in the 2020 edition, Perry bounced back with fire in 2023, starting strong with a 40 off 22 balls and finishing the tournament with 60 runs and 3 wickets. With 371 runs and 40 wickets across 42 matches, Perry’s influence on the game is undeniable.
Harmanpreet Kaur (India)
India’s fearless skipper Harmanpreet Kaur is known for her ability to rise to the occasion. Kaur is the only Indian player to have scored a T20I century, which came in the opening match of the 2018 edition, where she smashed 103 off 51 balls against New Zealand. With 35 tournament appearances from 2009 to 2023, she has amassed 576 runs and taken 11 wickets, with her best bowling figures of 4 for 23 coming against West Indies in 2016. As captain, Kaur has inspired millions of fans and continues to lead with unwavering determination.
Sophie Devine (New Zealand)
New Zealand’s Sophie Devine made her T20 World Cup debut in 2009 and has been a driving force for her team ever since. Though New Zealand fell short in the 2010 final, Devine’s all-around contributions, including a valiant 38* and 2 wickets, have cemented her place among the elite. In 32 matches, Devine has scored 671 runs, with a high of 75*, and has taken 29 wickets, with a best of 4 for 22 against the West Indies in 2016. Her power-hitting and sharp bowling continue to make her a crucial player for the White Ferns.
Suzie Bates (New Zealand)
Suzie Bates is a cornerstone of New Zealand cricket and the leading run-scorer in Women’s T20 Internationals, with 4,348 runs to her name. In the history of the T20 World Cup, Bates stands alone with over 1,000 runs, having scored 1,066 in 36 matches. Her top score of 94* came against Pakistan in the 2014 edition, where she also ranked second in the run charts with 228 runs at an average of 57.00. As a versatile player, she has also contributed with 10 wickets, showcasing her all-round capabilities on the biggest stage.
Stafanie Taylor (West Indies)
Stafanie Taylor’s legacy in T20 cricket is etched in gold. She captained the West Indies to their first-ever T20 World Cup title in 2016, where she led from the front as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 246 runs and claimed 8 wickets and hence was the deserved player of the tournament. Taylor’s consistency is reflected in her 31-match tally of 926 runs and 33 wickets. Her all-round dominance and leadership have made her a symbol of West Indian cricket.
Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)
Chamari Athapaththu, a power packed star, has been a beacon of hope for her nation. In her 28 matches, she has accumulated 666 runs, with a best of 68 coming against Sri Lanka in the 2023 edition. A fierce competitor, Athapaththu has also taken 8 wickets, including a best of 3 for 17 against Bangladesh in 2018. Her stunning performances, including a recent player-of-the-tournament effort in the Asia Cup, underline her stature as one of the greatest cricketers Sri Lanka has ever produced.
Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)
Marizanne Kapp has been a vital cog in South Africa’s rise in international cricket. Since her debut in 2009, Kapp has played 26 matches, scored 363 runs and took 26 wickets. Her best figures of 3 for 16 came against Pakistan in 2014. In South Africa’s first-ever ICC final in 2023, Kapp’s performance with the ball, taking key wickets of Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning, was a standout moment. Kapp’s all-round prowess and determination make her one of the game’s true stars.
The journey of these seven extraordinary players through nine T20 World Cups is a testament to their resilience, talent, and passion for the game. They have consistently performed at the highest level and as the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup approaches, their legacies serve as a reminder of the impact they have had on women’s cricket, and they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.
