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Shafali Verma Nears Top 5, Harmanpreet Kaur Eyes Top 10 in T20I Rankings

Shafali Verma has risen two places to sixth in the ICC Women's T20I batting rankings, inching closer to the top five following her half-century against South Africa. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur also climbed two spots to joint 11th, nearing a return to the top ten after an unbeaten 47. In the bowling rankings, Pakistan's Sadia Iqbal maintains the number one position, while South Africa's Nonkululeko Mlaba made a significant jump to joint sixth. The rankings update reflects strong performances from players on both sides ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in England.

Key Points: ICC T20I Rankings: Shafali, Harmanpreet Rise; Sadia Iqbal Tops

  • Shafali Verma jumps to 6th in T20I batting
  • Harmanpreet Kaur rises to joint 11th
  • Sadia Iqbal retains top bowling spot
  • South Africa's Mlaba surges to joint 6th
2 min read

Shafali nears top 5, Harmanpreet inches closer to entering top 10 in T20I rankings

Shafali Verma climbs to 6th, Harmanpreet Kaur reaches joint 11th in latest ICC Women's T20I rankings. Updates on Mandhana, Wolvaardt & bowlers.

"Harmanpreet... moved up two spots to be placed just outside the top 10 at joint 11th, signalling a return to form. - ICC Report"

Dubai, April 21

Shafali Verma continued her steady rise in the ICC Women's T20I Rankings, climbing closer to the top five, while India captain Harmanpreet Kaur edged nearer to a return to the top 10 following the latest rankings update on Tuesday.

The rankings reshuffle comes amid the ongoing five-match T20I series between India and South Africa, with several players from both sides rewarded for their recent performances ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England and Wales, which starts on June 12.

Shafali jumped two places to sixth in the T20I batting charts after her brisk 57 against South Africa, closing in on the top five, while Smriti Mandhana remains India's highest-ranked batter at fourth.

Harmanpreet, meanwhile, moved up two spots to be placed just outside the top 10 at joint 11th, courtesy of her unbeaten 47 in the series opener, signalling a return to form at a crucial juncture.

Among South African players, captain Laura Wolvaardt retained her fifth position after a composed half-century in the second T20I, while teammates Annerie Dercksen (up 18 places to 33rd) and Sune Luus (up eight places to 35th) made notable gains.

In the bowling rankings, Sadia Iqbal held on to the No. 1 spot, though South Africa's Nonkululeko Mlaba surged five places to joint sixth after an impressive start to the series against India.

Further gains for South Africa came from Ayabonga Khaka (up eight places to 25th), Chloe Tryon (up three to 38th) and Tumi Sekhukhune (up 23 to 55th). India also saw progress through left-arm spinner Shree Charani, who climbed four spots to 23rd.

In the all-rounders' list, Melie Kerr continued to occupy the top position, while Tryon (up four places to joint 11th) and Dercksen (up 11 to 29th) registered significant improvements.

Meanwhile, the ODI rankings also witnessed movement following the opening match of the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka series. Sharmin Akhter made the biggest impact, climbing seven places to 22nd after an 86-run knock in Rajshahi.

Her teammate Sobhana Mostary rose eight spots to 50th after contributing 41 runs, while bowlers Nahida Akter (13th), Rabeya Khan (20th) and Marufa Akter (up nine places to joint 43rd) also moved up the rankings.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great to see Harmanpreet finding her rhythm again. Her experience is invaluable, especially with the T20 World Cup around the corner. A confident captain makes a confident team. Let's go, India!
R
Rohit P
Good progress, but we need more consistency. Our bowling, apart from a few, seems to be lagging in the rankings compared to the batters. Hope the management is working on that aspect before the World Cup.
S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in the US now, it's fantastic to follow the women's game getting this level of detail and coverage. Shafali and Smriti in the top 6 is brilliant. The South African players also made some huge jumps!
N
Nikhil C
The rankings show a very competitive series is on. South Africa's bowlers moving up so much indicates our batters will be tested. This is perfect preparation. May the best team win! 🤝
K
Kavya N
So proud of our women! They are putting in the hard work and it shows. Shree Charani moving up is a quiet but important gain. Hope the BCCI ensures they get as much support and visibility as the men's team.

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