Key Points

Smriti Mandhana has reclaimed the top spot in ICC women's ODI batting rankings for the first time since 2019. The Indian opener overtook South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt after her century in the recent tri-series final. Wolvaardt now shares second place with England's Nat Sciver-Brunt following modest scores against West Indies. Meanwhile, West Indies' Afy Fletcher made big gains in bowling rankings after a four-wicket haul.

Key Points: Smriti Mandhana Tops ICC Women's ODI Rankings After 5 Years

  • Mandhana dethrones SA's Wolvaardt after 6-month reign
  • Rises with 727 points after 11th ODI century
  • Wolvaardt drops to joint-second with England's Nat Sciver-Brunt
  • West Indies' Fletcher jumps 4 spots in bowling rankings
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Smriti Mandhana reclaims top spot in ICC women's ODI rankings

Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana reclaims No.1 spot in ICC women's ODI rankings, overtaking Laura Wolvaardt after stellar tri-series century.

"Mandhana now sits comfortably with 727 rating points after ending Wolvaardt’s more than six-month-long perch at the top - ICC Report"

Dubai, June 17

India star Smriti Mandhana has reclaimed the number one position in the women’s ODI batting rankings for the first time since November 2019, according to the latest update released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old rose one spot to return to the top after South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt slipped to joint-second place with England’s new captain Nat Siver-Brunt, following innings of 27 and 28 in the first two ODIs against the West Indies. Mandhana now sits comfortably with 727 rating points after ending Wolvaardt’s more than six-month-long perch at the top. The India star batter has been in excellent touch of late and scored her 11th career century during the final of India's recent tri-series against Sri Lanka and South Africa in Colombo.

Wolvaardt’s teammate, Tazmin Brits, advanced five places to 27th thanks to her half-century in the first match of the three-match series, which is currently levelled after South Africa bounced back from their opening four-wicket loss to beat the hosts by 40 runs in the second match in Barbados over the weekend. West Indies pair Shemaine Campbelle (up seven spots to 62nd) and Qiana Joseph (up 12 spots to equal 67th) also made gains on the charts for ODI batters.

In other movements, former Proteas captain Sune Luus struck 76 in the second match to gain seven places to 42nd in the batters list and rose seven slots to 42nd in the bowlers list. Meanwhile, West Indies opener Qiana Joseph’s innings of 60 in their first match saw her leap 12 slots to joint-67th place.

West Indies spinner Afy Fletcher made the most significant gains in the bowlers' list. She claimed a four-wicket haul during the West Indies’ most recent contest against South Africa and gained four spots to rise to 19th overall on the list for ODI bowlers that is still headed by England's Sophie Ecclestone.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Smriti is pure class! 🇮🇳 So proud to see an Indian woman dominating world cricket. Her cover drives are poetry in motion. Hope she maintains this form till the World Cup next year!
P
Priya M.
Deserves every bit of this ranking! But BCCI should arrange more bilateral series for our women's team. They're winning hearts but need more matches to stay at the top consistently.
A
Arjun S.
While we celebrate Smriti's achievement, let's not forget our bowling needs work. Other teams have better balanced squads. Hope selectors focus on developing quality bowlers too.
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Neha T.
So happy for her! 😊 Remember watching her debut as a teenager. Now she's carrying our batting like a champion. That century in Colombo was pure magic under pressure!
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Vikram J.
Great achievement but ICC rankings keep changing too frequently. Real test will be performing against Australia and England in their home conditions. That's when we'll know true class.
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Sunita R.
As a mother, I'm showing my daughter Smriti's journey. She's proof that with talent and hard work, Indian girls can be world beaters in sports too. More power to our women in blue! 💙

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