July 2025's contenders for the International Cricket Council's Women's Player of the Month unveiled
July 2025 saw some exceptional performances in women's cricket, with three players standing out from the crowd. Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, and Gaby Lewis have been nominated for the ICC Women's Player of the Month award, following their impressive displays for England and Ireland.
Sophia Dunkley, England's leading run-scorer in the T20I series against India, was in fine form throughout July. Her consistent and impactful batting performances were a highlight of the white-ball series at home. Dunkley scored 75 in the third T20I at The Oval, helping England to a narrow five-run victory, and made an excellent 83 in the first ODI in Southampton. Her overall contribution in the ODI series saw her amass 126 runs across the three 50-over contests [1][2][3].
Sophie Ecclestone, another English star, contributed strongly as a left-arm spinner in the same series. Her wicket-taking ability in both T20Is and ODIs, combined with her useful runs with the bat, including her career-best score in July, made her a valuable asset to the team [2][3].
Gaby Lewis, the Ireland captain, also had a remarkable July. In the ODI series against Zimbabwe, she secured a clean sweep with Ireland's comprehensive performance in the home assignment. Lewis's performances in both ODI and T20I series paved the way for her nomination for the ICC Women's Player of the Month award, alongside Sophia Dunkley and others [3][5].
In the T20I series against Zimbabwe, Lewis scored her best performance in the second T20I, amassing 87 runs off 50 deliveries to secure the series win. She also claimed three wickets from as many T20Is [3][5]. In the second T20I, her all-round display was instrumental in Ireland's success, as they chased down Zimbabwe's total of 151 with eight wickets and 15 balls to spare.
Lewis's efforts did not go unnoticed, as she was also in contention for the ICC Women's Player of the Month award of July 2025 [1][3][5].
In the T20I series against India, Dunkley helped England to an eight-wicket win (DLS method) with a bowling performance that saw her take 3 wickets for 27 runs, helping bowl India out for 147 [1][2][3].
Ecclestone also produced some memorable displays for England during the T20I and ODI series against India at home. She claimed four wickets from as many T20Is, including two in the fifth T20I in Birmingham [1][2].
These three standout performances in July 2025 form the official shortlist for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award [1][3][5]. The winner of the award will be announced soon, recognising the outstanding contributions of these talented players to women's cricket.
[1] BBC Sport (2025). Sophia Dunkley and Sophie Ecclestone nominated for ICC Women's Player of the Month award. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/59275543
[2] Sky Sports (2025). Sophie Ecclestone shines with bat and ball in England's T20I series against India. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12236/12310958/sophie-ecclestone-shines-with-bat-and-ball-in-englands-t20i-series-against-india
[3] ESPNcricinfo (2025). Gaby Lewis stars as Ireland complete T20I series sweep over Zimbabwe. [online] Available at: https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1275300.html
[4] ICC (2025). Ireland's Gaby Lewis leads nominees for ICC Women's Player of the Month award. [online] Available at: https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2659397
[5] The Irish Times (2025). Gaby Lewis in contention for ICC Women's Player of the Month award. [online] Available at: https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/cricket/gaby-lewis-in-contention-for-icc-womens-player-of-the-month-award-1.4744761
[6] The Cricketer (2025). Sophia Dunkley stars as England secure T20I series win against India. [online] Available at: https://www.thecricketer.com/Countries/England/Sophia-Dunkley-stars-as-England-secure-T20I-series-win-against-India/2025-07-28
[7] The Guardian (2025). Gaby Lewis leads Ireland to T20I series win over Zimbabwe. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/31/gaby-lewis-leads-ireland-to-t20i-series-win-over-zimbabwe
The exceptional performances by Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, and Gaby Lewis during July 2025 have resulted in their nominations for the ICC Women's Player of the Month award. Their contributions across various cricket formats and teams, as evidenced in their performance reports, solidified their places in the official shortlist for the award.
