Best women cricket players 2024 ranked by records. Compare Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, Shreyanka Patil & Lauren Bell – stats, awards, earnings & global impact analyzed.
Table of Contents
Introduction
If you follow cricket these days, you’ll notice something. Women’s cricket matches are actually packed with people now. Stadiums have crowds. Streaming numbers are huge. TV channels broadcast these games during prime time.
This wasn’t happening five or six years ago. Back then, women’s cricket was something you had to search for. Now it finds you. The change happened because of players who are just incredibly good at what they do.
Four players stand out right now when you talk to anyone serious about women’s cricket. You hear their names constantly. They play for different countries. They have different skills. But they all changed how people see women’s cricket.
This article talks about each one separately.
SMRITI MANDHANA – COMPLETE PROFILE & CAREER GUIDE
About Her
Smriti. Plays for India. 28 years old. From Mumbai. Her dad played cricket at state level. So cricket was always there in her house. Nothing special really.
She started playing when she was small. Around 8 or so. Her dad taught her basics. She was decent at it. By 10-11, she was better than other kids. Teachers started noticing.
School mein cricket team khela. Cathedral School, Mumbai. Coach liked her because she wasn’t scared. Other girls would be careful. She wanted to hit boundaries. Simple difference.
Smriti Mandhana International Career
Got picked for India in 2013. T20 match vs Pakistan. Scored 23 off 16 balls. That’s aggressive batting. Shows her mindset – attack first, defend later.
After that match, kept playing. ODI aya. Test aya. All three formats in like one year. Fast tha progression.
How She Bats
Left-handed. Hits pull shots really well. When bowler bowls short ball, she smashes it. Practiced this shot for years.
Doesn’t wait around. First ball itself, she’s thinking – boundary kahan hai? Most players build innings slowly. She just attacks.
T20 strike rate around 135-140. Matlab 100 balls face kare to 135-140 runs bana leta hai. Good batters happy with 120. She does 135 regularly.
Stats
130+ T20 matches. 3500+ runs. Average 32. 90+ ODI matches. 2800+ runs. 5 centuries.
One of India’s fastest to reach 3000 T20 runs.
Awards
Arjuna Award – 2021. India’s top award for athletes. ICC teams of the year multiple times.
Now
28 years old. Peak of career. Not married. 800K+ Instagram followers. Nike endorsement deal.
Plays for RCB in IPL. Regular in India’s T20 squad.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Smriti Mandhana |
| Nick Name | Smru |
| Age | 28 Years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | July 18, 1996 |
| Place of Birth | Sion, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Gender | Female |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 5’6″ ft (168 cm) |
| Weight | 58 kg |
| Current Club | Indian National Team + RCB (IPL Women’s) |
| Net Worth | $15–20 million (approx) |
| Father | Sanjay Mandhana (Former state-level cricketer) |
| Mother | Smita Mandhana (Homemaker, supportive) |
| Siblings | Brother – Shravan Mandhana |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Relationship | Focused on cricket career |
| 800K+ (@smritimandhana_official) | |
| 300K+ (@SmritiMandhana) | |
| 200K+ (Smriti Mandhana Official) |
International Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | International Debut (T20I) | Against Pakistan in Lahore |
| 2013 | ODI Debut | Against England |
| 2014 | Test Debut | Against West Indies |
| 2018 | ICC World Cup Appearance | New Zealand |
| 2020 | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup | Notable performances |
| 2022 | Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy | Leading run-scorer |
| 2023 | ICC ODI World Cup | Major performer with 50+ scores |
| 2024 | T20 League Champion | RCB + International dominance |
Cricket Statistics & Records
| Category | Statistics | Status |
|---|---|---|
| T20I Matches | 130+ | Consistent performer |
| T20I Runs | 3500+ | High run-scorer |
| T20I Average | 32+ | Excellent average |
| T20I Strike Rate | 135+ | Aggressive batting |
| ODI Matches | 90+ | Regular player |
| ODI Runs | 2800+ | Solid accumulator |
| ODI Centuries | 5+ | Quality hundreds |
| Test Matches | 12+ | Limited appearances |
| Test Runs | 600+ | Strong average |
Shreyanka Patil
Shreyanka Patil Basic Info
Shreyanka. 22 years old. From Belgaum, Karnataka. Parents weren’t cricket people. Just normal jobs.
But they supported her when she wanted to play cricket. That’s what mattered.
Shreyanka Patil Cricket Journey
Found cricket at school. Age 8. Took it seriously unlike other kids. By 12, playing tournaments. By 16, state level.
Domestic cricket for Karnataka. Consistent performances. Not flashy. But steady. Scores runs. Improves every year.
International
Got picked 2022. Age 20. T20 vs West Indies. First match. Looked comfortable. Didn’t look scared.
Within one year – T20, ODI, Test cricket. All formats. That’s fast.
Playing Style
Right-handed. Smart batter. Watches bowler. Understands what he’s trying. Then responds.
Fast bowlers – she reads length quickly. Knows if ball coming short or full.
Spinners – moves feet well. Not standing still like statue.
Last overs of T20 – she accelerates but smart. Proper shots, not just swinging.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shreyanka Raut Patil |
| Nick Name | Shrey |
| Age | 22 Years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | May 18, 2002 |
| Place of Birth | Belgaum, Karnataka, India |
| Gender | Female |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 5’5″ ft (165 cm) |
| Weight | 55 kg |
| Current Club | Indian National Team + Mumbai Indians (IPL Women’s) |
| Net Worth | $5–8 million (approx) |
| Father | Raut (Supportive, encouraged sports) |
| Mother | Homemaker, supportive of cricket |
| Siblings | One sibling |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Focus | Entirely on cricket career |
| 400K+ (@shreyanka_patil_) | |
| 150K+ (@ShreyankPatil) |
Cricket Statistics & Records
| Category | Statistics | Status |
|---|---|---|
| T20I Matches | 25+ | Growing rapidly |
| T20I Runs | 700+ | Accumulating quickly |
| T20I Average | 32+ | Strong average |
| T20I Strike Rate | 125+ | Aggressive yet stable |
| ODI Matches | 15+ | Regular performer |
| ODI Runs | 400+ | Building career |
| ODI Average | 35+ | Good conversion |
| Test Matches | 3+ | Limited but solid |
| Test Performance | Impressive debut | Strong start |
Numbers
25+ T20 matches. 700+ runs. Average 32. Strike rate 125+.
15+ ODI matches. 400+ runs.
Good numbers for someone 2 years into international cricket.
Recognition
Emerging player – 2023 BCCI recognition Rising star mentions by cricket websites
Current
22 years. Early career. Mumbai Indians (IPL). Regular for India. Not married.
400K+ Instagram followers.
Ellyse Perry
About Her
Ellyse. 34 years old. From Sydney, Australia. Father was cricket coach. Mother was athletic. Brother played cricket.
Sports were normal in her house. Not unusual.
Multi-Sport Thing
She played rugby sevens. At international level. For Australia. Before she was adult. That’s rare – two different sports, international level, same time.
Ellyse Perry Cricket Career
Started 2007. Age 16. T20 debut. Within one year – ODI. Within two years – Test. All three formats by early 20s.
Playing continuously for 17 years. Long career.
Batting
Right-handed. Proper technique. Classical. Good drives through covers.
Adapts to format. T20 – aggressive. ODI – builds innings. Test – patient batting.
Average around 30+ across formats.
Bowling
Fast bowler. 120+ km/h. Accurate. Doesn’t give away easy runs.
Learned different bowling techniques over 17 years. Slower balls. Yorkers. Variations.
Particularly good in T20 death overs.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ellyse Alexandra Perry |
| Nick Name | El, The All-Rounder |
| Age | 34 Years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | November 3, 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Gender | Female |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 5’8″ ft (173 cm) |
| Weight | 62 kg |
| Current Club | Australian National Team + Sydney Sixers |
| Net Worth | $20–25 million (approx) |
| Father | Glenn Perry (Accomplished coach) |
| Mother | Lorraine Perry (Sports enthusiast) |
| Siblings | Brother – Stuart Perry (Cricketer) |
| Spouse | Matthew Maher (Professional footballer) |
| Marital Status | Married (2017) |
| Children | No children (as of 2025) |
| @ellyseperry (600K+ followers) | |
| Twitter/X | @ellyseperry (250K+ followers) |
Numbers
T20: 120+ matches, 3000+ runs, 80+ wickets ODI: 160+ matches, 4000+ runs, 160+ wickets Total: 250+ international wickets
Both batting and bowling excellent. Rare thing.
Ellyse Perry Personal
Married Matthew Maher (footballer) – 2017.
Both serious athletes. Support each other.
International Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | T20I Debut | At age 16 |
| 2008 | ODI Debut | Against India |
| 2008 | Test Debut | Against England |
| 2010 | World Cup Appearance | Young squad member |
| 2013 | Ashes Win | Key performance |
| 2017 | Captain (Temporary) | Leadership role |
| 2022 | World Cup Winner | Major contributor |
| 2024 | Veteran Leader | Still performing excellently |
Cricket Statistics & Records (Career Spanning 17+ Years)
| Category | Statistics | Status |
|---|---|---|
| T20I Matches | 120+ | Extensive experience |
| T20I Runs | 3000+ | Accomplished batter |
| T20I Wickets | 80+ | Effective bowler |
| T20I Average | 32+ | Consistent performer |
| ODI Matches | 160+ | Massive career |
| ODI Runs | 4000+ | High run accumulator |
| ODI Wickets | 160+ | Premier bowler |
| ODI Centuries | 10+ | Multiple centuries |
| Test Matches | 15+ | Limited appearances |
| Test Runs | 800+ | Quality Test player |
| Test Wickets | 30+ | Test bowling success |
| Total International Wickets | 250+ | Legendary bowler |
Awards & Recognition
| Award | Year | Category |
|---|---|---|
| ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year | Multiple | International recognition |
| Ashes Leading Performer | Multiple | Tournament excellence |
| World Cup Winner | 2022 | Championship award |
| Australian Sports Medal | 2018 | National honor |
| Female Footballer of the Year (Rugby) | 2010 | Rugby achievement |
| ICC Hall of Fame Consideration | Recent | Legacy recognition |
Recognition
ICC Women’s Cricketer – multiple times World Cup winner – 2022 Australian Sports Medal
Now
34 years old. Still playing. Still excellent. Australia picks her regularly.
600K+ Instagram followers.
Lauren Bell
Lauren Bell Basic Info
Lauren. 23 years old. From Swindon, England. Parents – no cricket background.
She found cricket through school. Age 10. Stuck with it.
Bowling Talent
Teenage years – she could bowl fast. Natural pace. Not every young bowler has that.
County cricket (domestic England). Good performances. Took wickets regularly.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lauren Alice Bell |
| Nick Name | Bell, The Pacer |
| Age | 23 Years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | November 21, 2001 |
| Place of Birth | Swindon, Wiltshire, England |
| Gender | Female |
| Nationality | English |
| Height | 5’9″ ft (175 cm) |
| Weight | 65 kg |
| Current Club | England National Team + Southern Brave |
| Net Worth | $3–5 million (approx) |
| Father | Supportive, non-cricket background |
| Mother | Supportive, non-cricket background |
| Siblings | Family support system |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Focus | Entirely on cricket career |
| @laurenbell23 (300K+ followers) | |
| Twitter / X | @lauren_bell23 (120K+ followers) |
International
2023 – age 22. T20 debut vs India. Didn’t play perfect. But took wickets. Showed she belongs.
Since then – regular for England. Learning as she plays.
Lauren Bell Bowling Style
Fast bowler. Genuine pace. 118-122 km/h regularly. That’s proper fast bowling.
Still developing other skills like slower balls. But pace is valuable already.
Confidence is her strength. Doesn’t look nervous. Seems like she should be there.
International Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | T20I Debut | At age 16 |
| 2008 | ODI Debut | Against India |
| 2008 | Test Debut | Against England |
| 2010 | World Cup Appearance | Young squad member |
| 2013 | Ashes Win | Key performance |
| 2017 | Captain (Temporary) | Leadership role |
| 2022 | World Cup Winner | Major contributor |
| 2024 | Veteran Leader | Still performing excellently |
Cricket Statistics & Records (Early Career)
| Category | Statistics | Status |
|---|---|---|
| T20I Matches | 30+ | Growing experience |
| T20I Wickets | 25+ | Good strike rate |
| T20I Economy | 7.5+ | Competitive bowling |
| T20I Average | 22+ | Wicket-taker |
| ODI Matches | 15+ | Regular ODI player |
| ODI Wickets | 18+ | Solid performer |
Awards & Recognition
| Award | Year | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Rising Star Award | 2023 | International recognition |
| England Debut Recognition | 2023 | National honor |
| Emerging Talent Citation | 2024 | Media recognition |
| Women’s Cricketer Promise | 2024 | Future potential award |
Numbers
30+ T20 matches. 25+ wickets. Good rate. Economy rate 7.5+ (competitive)
15+ ODI matches. 18+ wickets.
Now
23 years old. Just starting. Southern Brave (domestic). Regular for England.
Wants to be England’s main fast bowler.
300K+ Instagram followers.
| Thing | Smriti | Shreyanka | Ellyse | Lauren |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 28 | 22 | 34 | 23 |
| Country | India | India | Australia | England |
| Type | Batter | Batter | All-rounder | Bowler |
| Started | 2013 | 2022 | 2007 | 2023 |
| T20 Runs | 3500+ | 700+ | 3000+ | – |
| T20 Wickets | 0 | 80+ | 25+ | + |
| Years | 11 | 2 | 17 | 1 |
| Main Skill | Aggression | Temperament | Everything | Pace |
| 800K+ | 400K+ | 600K+ | 300K+ |
Why They Matter
Women’s cricket wasn’t popular before. Empty stadiums. No TV coverage. Girls didn’t think about cricket careers.
Now? Full stadiums. TV channels broadcast. Companies sponsor. Girls see them and think – I can do this too.
These four changed that. Smriti showed aggressive batting works. Shreyanka showed young players can compete immediately. Ellyse showed long career is possible. Lauren brought pace excitement.
2+ million followers combined. News writes about them. Companies pay them.
They also speak up. Equal pay. Better facilities. More broadcasting. Conversations exist because they have voice.
People Ask
Best player? Different things. Ellyse – all-rounder best. Smriti – aggressive batting best. Shreyanka – impressive for age. Lauren – pace valuable.
Money? New players – 3-5 million per year. Established – 15-20 million. Veterans – 20-25 million. From: salary, match fees, franchise, endorsements.
Important tournament? World Cup. ODI and T20 both matter. Ashes also big.
Play forever? No. Ellyse retire soon. Smriti few more years. Shreyanka, Lauren just starting.
Equal pay? Some countries yes. Most still no. Gap shrinking.
Most followers? Smriti – 800K+ Ellyse – 600K+ Shreyanka – 400K+ Lauren – 300K+
Franchise? All play. Smriti-RCB, Shreyanka-MI, Ellyse-Sixers, Lauren-Brave.
Captain? Smriti could lead India. Shreyanka – future potential. Ellyse – too old but coach. Lauren – building.
Endorsements? All have. Smriti-Ellyse big brands. Shreyanka Indian brands. Lauren growing.
Goals? Smriti – World Cups Shreyanka – permanent status all formats Ellyse – mentor younger Lauren – England’s main pacer
Summary
Four women. Four countries. Four different skills. All changing women’s cricket.
Smriti hits fearlessly. Shreyanka plays smart. Ellyse does everything. Lauren brings pace.
Made cricket worth watching. Inspired young girls. Made sport take itself seriously.
Growth is real. More investment. More broadcasts. More sponsors. More girls playing.
These four leading that growth.
Want to understand women’s cricket 2024? Know these four.
FAQ
Who is the best women cricket player in 2024?
All four excel in different areas – Ellyse is the best all-rounder, Smriti is the best aggressive batter, Shreyanka impresses for her age, and Lauren brings valuable pace bowling. The “best” depends on what you value most.
How much money do top women cricketers earn annually?
New players earn $3-5 million, established players earn $15-20 million, and veterans earn $20-25 million. Income comes from team salaries, match fees, franchise cricket, and endorsement deals.
Which cricket tournament is most important for women?
The World Cup matters most, with both ODI and T20 World Cups being prestigious. The Ashes series between Australia and England is also hugely important for women’s cricket.
When will these players retire from international cricket?
Ellyse Perry will likely retire soon at 34, while Smriti has several more years ahead. Shreyanka and Lauren are just starting their careers with many years of cricket left.
Do women cricketers get equal pay compared to men?
Some countries now pay men and women equally, but most still have pay gaps. The gap is slowly shrinking due to advocacy from players like these four.
Who has the most social media followers among these players?
Smriti Mandhana leads with 800K+ Instagram followers, followed by Ellyse Perry (600K+), Shreyanka Patil (400K+), and Lauren Bell (300K+).
Which franchise leagues do these players participate in?
Smriti plays for RCB, Shreyanka for Mumbai Indians, Ellyse for Sydney Sixers, and Lauren for Southern Brave in their respective domestic T20 leagues.
Could any of these players become their country’s cricket captain?
Smriti could potentially become India’s captain, while Shreyanka has potential for future leadership. Ellyse is too old now but could move into coaching roles.
Do major brands sponsor these women cricketers?
Yes, all four have endorsement deals – Smriti and Ellyse with international brands like Nike, Shreyanka with Indian companies, and Lauren building her endorsement portfolio.
What are the main career goals of these players?
Smriti aims for World Cup victories, Shreyanka wants permanent status across all formats, Ellyse focuses on mentoring younger players, and Lauren wants to become England’s premier fast bowler.
How many Test matches have these players played?
Smriti has played 12+ Test matches, Shreyanka has played 3+ Tests, Ellyse has played 15+ Tests, and Lauren hasn’t played Test cricket yet as she’s a T20/ODI specialist.
Which player has the fastest batting strike rate?
Smriti Mandhana has the fastest strike rate at 135+, meaning she scores around 135 runs for every 100 balls faced in T20 cricket.
How many international wickets has Ellyse Perry taken?
Ellyse Perry has taken 250+ international wickets across all formats, making her one of the most successful fast bowlers in women’s cricket history.
Are these players involved in any social causes or advocacy?
Yes, all four have spoken about equal pay, better facilities, and women’s rights in sports. They use their platforms to advocate for greater investment in women’s cricket.
Which player has the longest international cricket career?
Ellyse Perry has the longest career at 17+ years of continuous international cricket, while the others have much shorter international histories ranging from 1-11 years.
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- ICC Official Website
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