Annie O’Neil

Born on 18th February 1999, Annie O'Neil has carved out an indelible name for herself in the gentleman's game—a sport steeped in tradition but progressively enlivened by dynamic talents like her. Raised in the quaint yet cricket-obsessed town of Hove, Annie's earliest memories revolve around street cricket games, wielding a bat almost as tall as she was. This fledgling passion swiftly matured into a promising career, propelled by relentless dedication and an uncanny ability to adapt and flourish in any situation.

Annie's professional debut was a whirlwind affair, marking England's tour of New Zealand in 2017. At just 18 years old, she was thrust onto the international stage, facing deliveries from seasoned bowlers who had dominated the sport for decades. But Annie was undeterred, notching a respectable 45 in her maiden innings—a foreshadowing of greatness to come.

Her right-handed batting style is marked by a rare blend of finesse and power, reminiscent most notably of the great Sachin Tendulkar. Annie’s strength lies in her flawless cover drives and an innate ability to find gaps with surgical precision. Her right-arm offbreaks, meanwhile, add an invaluable dimension to her game, proving crucial in breaking partnerships at definitive moments.

Achievements have been plentiful for O'Neil, with her crowning glory perhaps arriving in the 2021 ICC Women's World Cup. Her unstoppable 127 off 104 balls against Australia—a match-winning innings that included 17 fours and a cracking six—helped England lift the trophy amidst rapturous applause and unbridled national pride. That knock alone has since been inscribed into the annals of cricketing folklore.

Rivalries have always fuelled her competitive edge, with Annie's encounters against Australia and India often justifying the colossal billing they receive. Battling against India's fierce bowling attack in 2022 at Lord's, she scored an audacious 89 under immense pressure, fortifying England's narrow victory—a match that many pundits describe as the most thrilling one-day encounter of the decade.

But Annie O'Neil's significance transcends records and accolades. In 2023, she launched 'Bat for Change', a non-profit initiative empowering young girls through cricket, thereby cementing her legacy not just as a cricketing giant but as a transformative force in society. As her journey continues, Annie remains not merely a player but a beacon of inspiration and an embodiment of the limitless possibilities within the cricketing cosmos.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats