The 2023-2024 season of West Indies women’s cricket has truly soared to new heights, a testament to the talent, determination, and resilience showcased on the field. The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Annual Awards have honored remarkable performances and emerging stars who are setting new benchmarks and inspiring a wave of future cricketers. As we celebrate the achievements of this season, the impact of standout players like Hayley Matthews, Plaffiana Millington, and Kycia Knight shines brightly, serving as role models for young athletes across the region.
Hayley Matthews, the West Indies captain, hasn’t just excelled in her leadership role; she has solidified her status as an exceptional player on the international stage. Her outstanding feat of winning both the ODI and T20I Player of the Year Awards highlights her exceptional consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
This past season, Matthews scored an incredible 625 runs in ODI matches at a striking average of 62.50 across just 11 innings, proving her knack for making each game count. Among her achievements were four centuries, including a breathtaking 141 against Pakistan in April 2024. Not only is she a force with the bat, but she also contributed significantly with the ball, taking 14 wickets at an average of 24.92. These stats don’t just tell a story; they affirm her place as one of cricket’s finest all-rounders, ensuring her legacy will be felt for generations to come.
In the T20 format, Matthews continued to dazzle, racking up 1,238 runs at an impressive average of 47.61 over 30 innings. Her performance included nine half-centuries and a phenomenal 132 not out against Australia in North Sydney—a game that not only won her the Player of the Match award but also etches her name in the annals of cricketing legends. As if that weren’t enough, she took 33 wickets at an average of 20.81, showcasing her lethal bowling skills with a stunning four-wicket haul against Ireland.
Then we have Plaffiana Millington, whose rapid ascent in regional cricket has captivated fans and players alike. The Guyanese fast bowler was a standout performer in both editions of the Women’s T20 Blaze, where her precision and aggressiveness with the ball turned her into a game-changer for her team. In 2023, she notched up six wickets at an average of 15.83, and the following year, she took it up a notch and became the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 11 wickets at an astonishing average of just 4.82. Millington’s knack for striking early and curbing runs has made her an invaluable asset for Guyana, proving that strong performances are vital in tight matches.
Kycia Knight, on the other hand, exemplifies experience and serenity under pressure. A steadfast pillar for Barbados, Knight’s gameplay over the past couple of seasons paints a picture of steady growth and effortless strength. In 2023, she contributed 117 runs across five matches, but it was the 2024 Super50 Cup where she truly came into her own, amassing 272 runs at an average of 68 and leading the batting charts. Her stellar season included three half-centuries and a high score of 90, key contributions that powered Barbados through crucial encounters.
Beyond their individual accolades, these players are nurturing the next generation. Knight, with her wealth of experience, serves as both a mentor and leader, proving that success in sports isn’t solely about numbers; it’s also about inspiration, resilience, and passing the torch to aspiring cricketers.
The CWI Annual Awards have celebrated more than just individual talent—they have embraced the heartbeat of a vibrant and evolving women’s game in the Caribbean. With stalwarts like Matthews, Millington, and Knight leading the charge, the future of West Indies women’s cricket shines bright. It’s a landscape rich with promise and filled with immense potential, and as the world watches, the Caribbean is poised to make its mark.
Image Source: Hayley Matthews @ Instagram
