Australia’s next generation and its modern-day great shared the spotlight at the 2026 Australia Cricket Awards, as Annabel Sutherland and Beth Mooney walked away with the top individual honours in the 50-over and T20I formats respectively.
Sutherland capped off a standout year by being named ODI Player of the Year, underlining her growing stature as one of world cricket’s premier all-rounders. The Victorian was a pillar of consistency in Australia’s white-ball campaign, particularly at the ODI World Cup, where she emerged as the team’s leading wicket-taker and finished second overall in the tournament charts.
Her impact went well beyond the ball.
Sutherland also delivered crucial runs under pressure, including a career-best unbeaten 98 against England, showcasing her ability to influence games in all departments. Across formats during the voting period, she collected 17 wickets at an exceptional average while also contributing valuable runs in the middle order.
At just 24, Sutherland’s ODI honour added further shine to a season that also saw her win the prestigious Belinda Clark Award for the second consecutive year, a feat achieved by only a handful of players in Australian women’s cricket history.
While Sutherland dominated the longer white-ball format, Beth Mooney once again proved she is the benchmark in T20 internationals. The left-hander was named T20I Player of the Year for a remarkable fourth time, reinforcing her reputation as Australia’s most reliable run-scorer in the shortest format.
Mooney’s award came after a highly productive T20I series in New Zealand, where she topped the run charts with 166 runs at an average of 83 and an explosive strike rate of 167. Despite Australia playing just three T20Is during the voting window, her consistency and ability to dictate games at the top of the order set her apart once more.
The 2026 honours reflected Australia’s demanding international schedule, with all white-ball matches played away from home and a heavy focus on the ODI World Cup campaign in India and Sri Lanka. In that environment, both Sutherland and Mooney stood tall, one emerging as the future face of Australia’s all-round strength, the other continuing a legacy of excellence built on composure, clarity and runs when it matters most.
Together, their awards not only celebrated individual brilliance but also highlighted the depth and durability of Australia’s women’s team as it continues to set global standards across formats.
