The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently unveiled list of awards regarding the top performers for the year 2024. In the various categories, several outstanding players were given the honours, including individual recognition like cricketer of the year of different formats. The latest entrant is the United Arab Emirates (UAE) skipper, who earned the ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year 2024.

UAE captain earns the special honour

In a stellar year for women’s cricket, Esha Oza, captain of the UAE women’s cricket team, has been honored with the ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year 2024 award. This prestigious accolade underscores her exceptional performances and the growing prominence of women’s cricket in the UAE.

Incredible numbers in cricket

Notably, Oza’s leadership on the field has been exemplary. Under her captaincy, the UAE clinched the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Women’s Premier Cup title, with Oza emerging as the tournament’s standout performer. She topped the run charts and was named Player of the Tournament, solidifying her reputation as one of the finest players in associate cricket.

Her consistency with the bat in 2024 was remarkable. She amassed 711 runs at an average of 47.40 and an impressive strike rate of 98.20, placing her alongside global cricketing stars like Chamari Athapaththu and Smriti Mandhana. Her ability to score runs under pressure and anchor innings was instrumental in her team’s success.

Adding to her batting heroics, Oza delivered with the ball, taking 16 wickets at an average of 19.68. Her skillful variations and accuracy played a crucial role in the UAE’s victories, showcasing her as a true all-rounder.

Also READ: ICC announces the winner of Women’s T20I cricketer of the year 2024 award

ACC Women’s Premier Cup success

The ACC Women’s Premier Cup was the crowning achievement of Oza’s year. Her exceptional unbeaten knock of 66 against the Netherlands in the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier further demonstrated her ability to thrive under pressure.

T20 World Cup qualifier heroics

Oza’s leadership shone brightly during the T20 World Cup Qualifier, where she guided the UAE to the knockout stages. Her strategic decisions and consistent personal contributions were pivotal to the team’s impressive run.

Also READ: ICC announces Women’s T20I Team of the Year 2024; Smriti Mandhana and two other Indian players feature in the prestigious XI

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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