Ireland Women’s Amy Hunter has today been named Women’s Player of the Month by the International Cricket Council.
Hunter, 18, the talented wicketkeeper batter has enjoyed a successful start to 2024 with a set of fine performances with the bat. A quiet start in the ODI fixtures against Zimbabwe was followed by an explosive 101 not out in 66 balls in the first match, 77 not out from 57 balls in the second and 42 in the third, to secure a 3-0 win away from home. Her 220 runs in T20Is during the month came at a sensational strike rate of 144.73.
The Belfast-born international has appeared 52 times since making her debut for Ireland in 2021. She became a worldwide sensation when on her 16th birthday she struck an ODI century against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club – becoming the youngest player (men or women) ever to score an ODI century. Her century on the most recent tour remarkably saw her score a T20I century against the same opponent at the same ground – becoming only the 12th woman cricketer in history to score a century in both white-ball formats.
Hunter was one of three shortlisted nominees for January, along with the Australian duo Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney.
The voting process
The three nominees for either category are shortlisted based on performances from the first to the last day of each calendar month. The shortlist is then voted on by the independent ICC Voting Academy and fans around the world. The ICC Voting Academy comprises prominent members of the cricket fraternity including well-known journalists, former players, broadcasters and members of the ICC Hall of Fame. The Voting Academy submit their votes by email and hold a 90 per cent share of the vote. Fans registered with the ICC can vote via the ICC website, accounting for the remaining 10 per cent. Winners are announced every second Monday of the month on ICC’s digital channels.
25 July 2023; Amy Hunter of Ireland bats during match two of the Certa Women’s One Day International Challenge between Ireland and Australia at Castle Avenue in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Amy Hunter said:
“It’s an honour to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for January. To be on a shortlist alongside two of the world’s best is something that I am immensely proud of.
“It’s been an amazing start to the year, with two convincing series wins against Zimbabwe. I am pleased to have been able to contribute to the team’s success and hope to continue to do so.”