ICC Women's Player of the Month nominees announced for July
Dubai, August 10
The International Cricket Council has announced the three nominees for the Women's Player of the Month award for July 2026, with West Indies all-rounder Hayley Matthews, Sri Lanka batter Harshitha Samarawickrama and England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt making the shortlist following impressive performances across international cricket, according to the ICC website.
While Matthews impressed with 265 runs and seven wickets in three ODIs, Sri Lanka batter Harshitha Samarawickrama scored 173 runs in her team's 2-1 ODI series win over Pakistan. Sciver-Brunt played crucial knocks during England's run to the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup final, finishing with 133 runs.
Hayley Matthews (West Indies)
Hayley Matthews enjoyed an exceptional run in July, delivering match-winning performances in all three ODIs against Ireland. She scored two centuries, including a career-best unbeaten 159 in the opening match.
Matthews made an impact with both bat and ball in the first ODI, taking 3/52 before guiding the chase with her unbeaten 159.
She followed it up with another century in the second ODI, scoring 100 while claiming 2/34 with the ball. Matthews contributed again with the ball, returning figures of 2/37. Overall, she scored 265 runs at an average of 132.50 and a strike rate of 117.25, while taking seven wickets at an average of 17.57.
Harshitha Samarawickrama (Sri Lanka)
Harshitha Samarawickrama played a key role in her team's 2-1 ODI series victory over Pakistan, finishing the series with 173 runs at an average of 173 and a strike rate of 77.23.
After scoring just two runs in the opening game, the left-hander responded strongly in the second ODI, smashing 100 off 119 balls.
Samarawickrama continued her impressive form in the series decider, remaining unbeaten on 71 as Sri Lanka chased down a target of 187 to seal the series. Her consistent performances earned her the Player of the Series award.
Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)
The England all-rounder played a crucial role in her team's run to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final, producing important performances under pressure.
In the semi-final against South Africa, England were reduced to 23/3 before Sciver-Brunt steadied the innings with a match-winning 75. Her partnership with Heather Knight helped England post a strong total and secure their place in the final.
Sciver-Brunt also made a valuable contribution in the title clash against Australia, scoring 58 off 53 balls to help England set a competitive target. She finished the tournament with 133 runs at a strike rate of 133.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Harshitha Samarawickrama deserves this so much! 173 runs at an average of 173 is insane numbers. Sri Lanka women's cricket is improving so fast, and it's inspiring for the whole subcontinent. Also, Nat Sciver-Brunt is just a machine under pressure - that 75 in the semi-final was pure class.
Honestly, I think the award should go to Matthews. Two centuries in a series plus seven wickets? That's not just batting or bowling form, that's complete domination. The way she carried the chase with that 159 after taking 3 wickets shows real match-winner mentality. Respect! 🙌
So happy to see Sri Lankan cricket shining! Harshitha's comeback after that duck in the first game shows real mental strength. Chasing 187 with an unbeaten 71 in the decider? That's the kind of composure young players should learn from. Also, kudos to ICC for promoting women's cricket consistently now.
All three are deserving, but I feel Nat's performances came in the biggest moments - World Cup semi-final and final. That 75 when England were 23/3 was literally a captain's knock. You can score hundreds against weaker teams, but performing under pressure in knockouts is a different level. Tough call!
Loving the rise of women's cricket across the subcontinent! Sri Lanka beating Pakistan at home is huge. But I wish the BCCI would schedule more multi-format series for our women's team. The players deserve equal opportunities to win these individual awards too. Just saying! 😊
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