In a remarkable recognition of her exceptional cricketing prowess, Ireland’s Arlene Kelly has been crowned the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for August 2023. Her outstanding performance with the ball during the month has not only earned her this coveted award but also showcased her potential as a rising star in women’s cricket.
Triumph in Stiff Competition
Arlene Kelly faced stiff competition for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award, with contenders like Netherlands‘ Iris Zwilling and Malaysia’s Ainna Hamizah Hashim in the running. However, it was Kelly’s remarkable individual efforts with the ball that set her apart in the race for the accolade.Â
The right-arm seamer delivered a masterful performance during Ireland’s three-match T20I series against the Netherlands. She exhibited her bowling prowess by claiming an impressive 10 wickets at an astonishingly low average of just 4.30 runs per wicket. Her remarkable contributions played a pivotal role in Ireland’s emphatic 3-0 series sweep against the Netherlands.
A Remarkable Bowling Average
Arlene Kelly’s performance in the series against the Netherlands is nothing short of historic. Her bowling average of 4.30 is the fourth-best ever recorded in a bilateral series where a bowler has taken 10 or more wickets. Furthermore, it marks only the second time in the history of women’s T20Is that a bowler has achieved the remarkable feat of taking 10 or more wickets in a bilateral series consisting of three or fewer games.
As an emerging cricketing nation, Ireland has set its sights on making a significant impact at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023. Arlene Kelly’s exceptional performances serve as an inspiration to her teammates and the next generation of cricketers in Ireland. Her dedication and skill on the field exemplify the bright future of Irish women’s cricket.
Kellyâs Gratitude and Delight
Upon receiving the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award, an elated Arlene Kelly expressed her gratitude, saying, “Iâm honoured to win the award for the month of August and grateful for the opportunities that cricket has provided.” She went on to highlight the significance of their series win in the Netherlands, emphasizing that her contributions with the ball made the victory even more special.
Arlene Kelly’s outstanding performances in August have propelled her to the 21st position in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s T20I bowling rankings. This impressive rise in the rankings is a testament to her consistency and skill as a bowler. Notably, Kelly achieved her best-ever T20I figures of 5/12 during the first match of the series against the Netherlands, further solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in women’s T20 cricket.Â
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