In a month dominated by extraordinary performances, South Africa’s seasoned all-rounder Chloe Tryon stole the spotlight to clinch the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for May 2025. Competing against high-caliber players like Hayley Matthews of the West Indies and Jemimah Rodrigues of India, Tryon’s complete display of brilliance with both bat and ball carved her path to glory.
A prominent figure in South Africa’s campaign during the ODI Tri-Series involving India and Sri Lanka, Tryon turned challenges into opportunities, leading from the front even when the odds weren’t in her favor. Her contribution was nothing short of heroic, racking up 176 runs in three ODIs at a stellar average of 58.66, while also making her presence felt with the ball, scalping six wickets with an economy of just 5.00.
Her breakthrough performance came in South Africa’s final fixture against Sri Lanka. Coming in at a crucial stage, she hammered 74 off just 51 balls, striking four fours and five towering sixes, propelling her side past the 300-run mark to a commanding total of 315. If that wasn’t enough, she returned with the ball and delivered an unforgettable spell of 5/34, grabbing her maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs. Among the five wickets, a hat-trick stood out—etched into the memory of every cricket fan watching. It was the kind of performance that defines careers and wins accolades.
Notably, Tryon had been showing signs of peak form even before that defining match. In the penultimate game against India, she showcased her all-round prowess with a blazing 67 off 43 deliveries, smashing four boundaries and five sixes in a valiant effort chasing 337. With the ball, she chipped in with a crucial 1/46, including the prized scalp of Smriti Mandhana.
Tryon’s impact wasn’t limited to numbers—she was the emotional and strategic anchor for the Proteas. A leader on the field, her intent, energy, and hunger to win shone brightly throughout the series. Her performances provided a beacon of hope for South Africa in a challenging tournament.
Tryon began by reflecting on her surprise at receiving the accolade, “I probably didn’t expect this award, but I see it as a great achievement.”
She emphasized how this recognition symbolized the reward for her efforts to remain consistent on the field, “I’ve been trying to find consistency for a while, so I’m happy that it finally came together in Sri Lanka.”
With a World Cup looming on the calendar, Tryon expressed hope that this purple patch could carry into the major tournaments ahead, “Hopefully, I can build on those performances and help the team through the big year ahead. We’ve got a World Cup at the end of the year, so I’m hoping to continue being consistent for the team.”
Speaking about her landmark bowling feat, Tryon couldn’t hide her joy, “I am really happy at my five-wicket effort and the hat-trick.”
She went on to reveal that it wasn’t all smooth sailing behind the scenes, “I was pretty tired most of the time, but I’m happy to have achieved that.”
Highlighting how meaningful those moments are for cricketers, she said, “You always want to add those milestones to your memories as a cricketer. I’m glad I finally got to tick that off my list.”
Still trying to fully absorb the moment, she admitted, “It’s still a bit of a blur, to be honest.”
She ended with heartfelt gratitude for her teammates, “I think the team carried me throughout that day. I was a little bit sick, so that didn’t really help much. But everything came together, and I’m just really happy that I could perform and help the team win.”
This recognition marks Chloe Tryon’s maiden ICC Women’s Player of the Month award, and it couldn’t have arrived at a better time. As South Africa gears up for a crucial cricketing year ahead, they can take immense confidence in knowing that their dependable all-rounder is not just in form—but in command.
Tryon’s performances weren’t just moments—they were statements. And if May is any indication, the cricket world should brace itself. There’s much more to come.
