In a nod to rising stars of women’s cricket, the ICC has named Gaby Lewis, Sobhana Mostri, and Tara Norris as nominees for the January Women’s Player of the Month. Their heroics in the T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier tournament captivated fans and experts alike.
Captain fantastic Gaby Lewis led from the front for Ireland, scoring 251 runs in six matches with a strike rate of 124.87. Her 73-run effort against Bangladesh was a highlight, contributing to her leading 276 runs for the team in the qualifiers. Lewis’s blend of power hitting and strategic oversight bodes well for Ireland’s World Cup aspirations.
Bangladesh’s Sobhana Mostri dazzled with 229 runs at 45.80 average and 145.85 strike rate. Explosive fifties against Thailand (59) and Scotland (47) defined her campaign. The 24-year-old’s off-spin wicket against Papua New Guinea further cemented her all-rounder status.
No one bowled better than USA’s Tara Norris, who snared 15 wickets overall, including 11 in January across five T20s. Hat-tricks of wickets came against Namibia, Ireland, and Thailand, with her 3/10 versus Ireland legendary. Adding 39 runs showed her batting depth.
As voting commences, these players embody the future of the sport, driving women’s cricket towards new heights ahead of 2026.