India’s star opener Smriti Mandhana has moved up to the second spot in the latest ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings, edging closer to regaining the top position she last held in 2019. The left-hander impressed in the recently concluded Tri-Nation series in Sri Lanka, helping India clinch the title with consistent and commanding performances.
Mandhana Nears No. 1 After Dominant Tri-Series
Mandhana scored a brilliant 264 runs in five innings, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament. Her standout performance came in the final against Sri Lanka, where she smashed a 116 off 101 balls, guiding India to victory.
The Indian vice-captain now sits just 11 rating points behind South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who struggled in the series with only 86 runs to her name.
Other Major Ranking Movements
- Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka’s captain, climbed two spots to 7th after scoring 139 runs in the tournament.
- Jemimah Rodrigues surged five places to 15th, while South Africa’s Chloe Tryon jumped nine spots to 18th.
In the bowling charts, India’s Sneh Rana, named Player of the Series, rose four places to 34th after bagging 15 wickets at an average of 14. England’s Sophie Ecclestone continues to hold the No. 1 spot among bowlers.
All-Rounders See Ranking Shifts Too
- Australia’s Ash Gardner remains the top-ranked all-rounder in ODIs.
- India’s Deepti Sharma improved one place to 5th, following a solid all-round showing.
- Tryon and Nadine de Klerk also made progress in the all-rounder rankings, now placed 11th and 12th, respectively.
Smriti Mandhana’s rise is a big boost for Indian women’s cricket, and with more series ahead, she looks poised to reclaim the World No. 1 ODI batter crown very soon.
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