Hayley Matthews, Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nat Sciver-Brunt have been nominated for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for July 2026 after producing standout performances for their respective teams.
Matthews impressed with both bat and ball for West Indies, Samarawickrama played a major role in Sri Lanka’s ODI series win over Pakistan, while Sciver-Brunt delivered important performances during England’s run to the Women’s T20 World Cup final.
Hayley Matthews – West Indies
Matthews enjoyed an outstanding ODI series against Ireland, scoring 265 runs in three matches at an average of 132.50 and a strike rate of 117.25.
Her best performance came in the opening ODI, where she first claimed 3/52 before smashing a career-best unbeaten 159 in the chase.
She followed that with another century in the second ODI, scoring 100 and taking 2/34. Although she made only six runs in the third match, she still contributed with the ball by claiming 2/37.
Across the three games, Matthews also collected seven wickets at an average of 17.57, making her one of the strongest all-round candidates for the award.
Harshitha Samarawickrama – Sri Lanka
Samarawickrama played a key role in Sri Lanka’s 2-1 ODI series victory over Pakistan.
After making just two runs in the opening match, she responded with a brilliant 100 from 119 balls in the second ODI, sharing a 203-run partnership with Vishmi Gunaratne.
She then remained unbeaten on 71 in the deciding match as Sri Lanka successfully chased 187 to seal the series.
Samarawickrama finished with 173 runs at an average of 173 and was named Player of the Series.
Nat Sciver-Brunt – England
Sciver-Brunt produced important innings during England’s run to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 final.
Her best performance came in the semi-final against South Africa. With England struggling at 23/3, she scored a crucial 75 and shared an important partnership with Heather Knight to help her side recover and reach the final.
The innings earned her the Player of the Match award.
Sciver-Brunt also contributed 58 from 53 balls in the final against Australia, although England ultimately finished runners-up.
She ended the tournament with 133 runs at a strike rate of 133.
Three Strong Candidates for July Honour
All three nominees made significant contributions during July.
Matthews stood out as an all-rounder with two centuries and seven wickets, Samarawickrama was central to Sri Lanka’s ODI series victory, while Sciver-Brunt delivered under pressure in the knockout stages of a major global tournament.
The winner will now be decided through the ICC Women’s Player of the Month voting process.
