Amy Hunter lands monthly honour from ICC for January

Ireland's Amy Hunter has been named Women's Player of the Month by the International Cricket Council.

The talented wicketkeeper-batter has enjoyed a successful start to 2024 with a set of fine performances with the bat.

A quiet start in the ODI fixtures against Zimbabwe was followed by an explosive 101 not out in 66 balls in the first match, 77 not out from 57 balls in the second and 42 in the third, to secure a 3-0 win away from home.

The 18-year-old hit 220 runs in T20Is during the month at a sensational strike rate of 144.73.

The Belfast-born international has appeared 52 times since making her debut for Ireland in 2021. She became a worldwide sensation when on her 16th birthday when she struck an ODI century against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club - becoming the youngest player (man or woman) ever to score on ODI century.

Her century on the most recent tour remarkably saw her score a T20I century against the same opponent at the same ground – becoming only the 12th female cricketer in history to score a century in both white-ball formats.

Hunter was one of three shortlisted nominees for January, along with the Australian duo of Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney.

Hunter said: "It’s an honour to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for January. To be on a shortlist alongside two of the world’s best is something that I am immensely proud of.

"It’s been an amazing start to the year, with two convincing series wins against Zimbabwe. I am pleased to have been able to contribute to the team’s success and hope to continue to do so."