A month filled with high-stakes qualifiers and breakthrough performances has seen three standout cricketers earn nominations for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for January 2026. Players from Ireland, Bangladesh and the United States impressed on the global stage, delivering match-defining performances during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026.
Gaby Lewis (Ireland)
Ireland captain Gaby Lewis played a pivotal role in steering her side to qualification for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Leading from the front, Lewis amassed 251 runs in six T20Is during January, striking at an impressive rate of 124.87. Her finest effort came against Bangladesh, where she scored a fighting 73, despite Ireland falling short in that contest. Lewis went on to finish the qualifying tournament as the leading run-scorer overall with 276 runs, underlining her consistency and leadership at the top of the order.
Sobhana Mostary (Bangladesh)
Bangladesh enjoyed a flawless run at the Global Qualifier, finishing unbeaten and securing early qualification for the World Cup. At the heart of their batting success was Sobhana Mostary, who delivered a series of impactful performances. The 24-year-old scored 229 runs in her first six matches, averaging 45.80 with a strike rate of 145.85. Her standout innings included a commanding 59 against Thailand, followed by a crucial 47 versus Scotland. Mostary also contributed with the ball, picking up a wicket against Papua New Guinea to add further value to her all-round efforts.
Tara Norris (USA)
Despite the USA narrowly missing out on World Cup qualification, left-arm pacer Tara Norris emerged as one of the tournament’s most dangerous bowlers. She finished as the highest wicket-taker overall, claiming 15 wickets during the qualifiers. In January alone, Norris picked up 11 wickets across five T20Is, registering three-wicket hauls against Namibia, Ireland and Thailand. Her most memorable spell came against Ireland, where she produced superb figures of 3/10 in four overs. Norris also chipped in with 39 runs, showcasing her utility as a lower-order contributor.
With performances that shaped campaigns and captured attention, the trio now await the final verdict as fans cast their votes for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for January 2026.
