Smriti Mandhana back on top of ODI rankings

Dubai

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana has returned to the number one spot in the ICC Women’s ODI batting rankings, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Tuesday. This is the first time she has held the top position since November 2019.

Mandhana now leads with 727 rating points after overtaking South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who dropped to joint-second place alongside England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt. Wolvaardt’s recent low scores of 27 and 28 against the West Indies led to her slip in rankings.

Mandhana has been in superb form, recently scoring her 11th ODI century in the tri-series final against Sri Lanka and South Africa in Colombo. Her consistent performances have pushed her back to the top.

In other ranking updates, South African batter Tazmin Brits climbed five places to 27th after her strong half-century in the series against the West Indies. West Indies’ Shemaine Campbelle and Qiana Joseph also made progress, with Campbelle moving up seven spots to 62nd and Joseph jumping 12 places to joint-67th.

Former South Africa captain Sune Luus improved her rankings in both batting and bowling after her 76-run knock in the second ODI. She moved up seven places to 42nd in both lists.

In the bowlers’ rankings, West Indies spinner Afy Fletcher gained four places to reach 19th after taking four wickets in their last match. England’s Sophie Ecclestone continues to top the bowling charts.

With these updates, India celebrates Mandhana’s return to the top, marking a proud moment in women's cricket.