Australia’s star leg-spinner Alana King and Thailand’s rising sensation Thipatcha Putthawong have been nominated for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for February 2025. Both players delivered exceptional performances in their respective matches, making them strong contenders for this prestigious honor.
Alana King’s Dominant Ashes Performance
Alana King played a crucial role in Australia’s victory over England in the Women’s Ashes series, showcasing her exceptional spin bowling. Her ability to generate turn and deceive batters proved to be a key factor in Australia’s success.
In the one-off Test against England, King produced a match-winning performance by taking nine wickets across both innings. She claimed 4 for 45 in the first innings and followed it up with 5 for 53 in the second, single-handedly dismantling the English batting lineup. Her precise control and aggressive approach ensured that Australia remained dominant throughout the game.
King also made valuable contributions in the white-ball leg of the Ashes, providing crucial breakthroughs in key moments. Her ability to bowl in different phases of the game, particularly in the middle overs, has cemented her place as one of the leading spinners in women’s cricket today.
Thipatcha Putthawong’s Sensational Performance for Thailand
Thailand’s Thipatcha Putthawong, at just 20 years of age, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in women’s cricket. The left-arm spinner was instrumental in Thailand’s success in the Nepal Women’s Tri-Nation Series, where she finished as the leading wicket-taker.
Putthawong picked up an astonishing 14 wickets in the tournament, including four consecutive matches where she took three or more wickets. Her consistent performances helped Thailand secure the title, demonstrating her ability to dominate on the international stage.
Her ability to control the game with her disciplined line and length, combined with her tactical variations, makes her a vital asset for Thailand. Despite being part of an associate nation, she has proven that she can compete at the highest level and has garnered attention as one of the most promising young spinners in the game.
A Close Contest for the Award
The ICC Player of the Month award acknowledges individual excellence in international cricket, and the battle between King and Putthawong is one of contrasting journeys. King has been a mainstay in Australia’s setup, thriving in high-pressure matches against top teams, while Putthawong is a young player making waves for an emerging cricketing nation.
King’s performances in the Ashes against a strong England side highlight her ability to step up in crucial moments. Meanwhile, Putthawong’s remarkable showing in the Tri-Nation Series is a testament to the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket beyond traditional powerhouses.
Regardless of who takes home the award, both players have made significant impacts for their teams. Their performances serve as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers worldwide, proving that talent and hard work can shine through on the biggest stage.