The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the four contenders for the 'Player of the Tournament' award at the Women's T20 World Cup 2026. The nominees include Indian superstar Smriti Mandhana, Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry, South African all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, and England opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge. The announcement comes ahead of the final between England and Australia at Lord's on Sunday.
Final Showdown: England vs Australia
England will face arch-rivals Australia in the title clash at Lord's, with Australia seeking their seventh T20 World Cup title. England aim for their second championship, which would be especially significant on home soil at the iconic 'Home of Cricket'. Both teams enter the final unbeaten in the tournament.
Ellyse Perry: Australia's All-Round Star
Ellyse Perry has been instrumental in Australia's unbeaten run, scoring 185 runs at an average of 46.25 with a strike rate of 135.03, and taking four wickets at an average of 7.50. She has earned three Player of the Match awards. Her first came against Bangladesh in Leeds, where she took two key wickets and scored an unbeaten 19 to secure a nine-wicket win. She followed with consecutive half-centuries against Pakistan and India, her first two T20 World Cup fifties.
Smriti Mandhana: India's Left-Handed Dynamo
Smriti Mandhana started the tournament with consecutive half-centuries against Pakistan and the Netherlands, helping India secure victories. The 29-year-old left-hander also scored 38 in the final group match against Australia, though it was not enough to advance to the semi-finals. She is the fourth-highest run-scorer with 205 runs at an average of 41 and a strike rate of 140.41, according to the ICC.
Danni Wyatt-Hodge: England's Leading Run-Scorer
Danni Wyatt-Hodge has been the tournament's top run-scorer with 294 runs at an average of 73.5 and a strike rate of 152.33. She hit a century against Sri Lanka in the opener in Birmingham, followed by two more half-centuries. Her 41 fours and two sixes have provided England with fast starts throughout their unbeaten campaign.
Marizanne Kapp: South Africa's Consistent All-Rounder
Marizanne Kapp contributed 124 runs at an average of 31 and took eight wickets at an average of 14.37. She earned Player of the Match against India, taking two wickets and scoring an unbeaten 81 to guide South Africa to victory. Kapp registered a wicket in every match except against the Netherlands, highlighting her consistency. South Africa's run ended with a loss to England in the semi-finals.
