Amy Hunter has been further rewarded for her record-breaking exploits in Zimbabwe by being voted International Women’s Player of the Month for January, the second time an Ireland player has won the title in six months.

Teenager Hunter became the youngest batter to score a T20 international century against an ICC Full Member in the first match of Ireland’s 5-0 whitewash of the Africans, and followed it up with scores of 77 not out and 42 in the next two games. 

The 18-year-old from Belfast was already the youngest of either sex to score an ODI century, also against Zimbabwe, on her 16th birthday.

“It’s an honour to win this,” Hunter said. “Even to be on a shortlist alongside Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney, two of the world’s best players, is something that I am immensely proud of.

“It’s been an amazing start to the year for Ireland, with two convincing series wins in Zimbabwe, and I’m pleased to have been able to contribute to the team’s success.”

The improvement in performance of Ireland’s players under coach Ed Joyce’s tutelage was also recognised last year when Arlene Kelly was awarded the ICC’s Women’s Player of the Month for August.