Mandhana climbs back to No.1 in ICC ODI batting rankings ahead of Women’s World Cup opener
Dubai
Star India opener Smriti Mandhana has reclaimed the No.1 spot in the ICC Women’s ODI batting rankings, released on Tuesday, following her composed half-century against Australia in Mullanpur. The left-hander struck a 63-ball 58 in the opening match of the three-game series, though her effort could not prevent India from slipping to an eight-wicket defeat.
The knock, however, earned Mandhana seven rating points, pushing her tally to 735 and taking her four points clear of England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt, who dropped to second with 731. The 28-year-old first reached the No.1 ranking in 2019 and has now enjoyed two separate stints at the summit in 2025. With the ICC Women’s World Cup beginning on September 30, the timing of her return to form provides a major confidence boost for India.
India also saw gains elsewhere in the rankings. Young opener Pratika Rawal jumped four places to 42nd after her 64, while Harleen Deol’s fluent 54 lifted her to 43rd. On the bowling front, off-spinner Sneh Rana climbed five spots to 13th following her tidy spell in the first ODI.
Australia’s strong performance also reflected in the charts. Left-handed batter Beth Mooney rose three places to fifth after her unbeaten 77, while Annabel Sutherland and Phoebe Litchfield moved up to a joint 25th. Among bowlers, pacer Kim Garth and spinner Alana King reached career-high fourth and fifth positions, respectively, with England’s Sophie Ecclestone maintaining her grip as the No.1-ranked bowler.
Mandhana’s return to the top not only marks a personal milestone but also highlights India’s batting strength as they head into a crucial World Cup campaign.
