The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released its latest women's cricket rankings, with India's star opener, Smriti Mandhana, once again reclaiming the title of the number-1 ODI batter.
Sports News: The ICC, cricket's apex body, has released its latest rankings. In the ICC Women's Batting Rankings, India's star opener Smriti Mandhana has shown stellar performance. Mandhana has climbed one spot in her ranking to regain the top position. This achievement is particularly significant as Mandhana has overtaken England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt to secure the number-1 ODI batter spot just two weeks before the World Cup commences.
Smriti Mandhana's Explosive Return
Smriti Mandhana played a brilliant innings of 58 runs in the first ODI match against Australia in New Chandigarh. Thanks to this innings, she earned 7 rating points in the ICC rankings and surged to the top spot, leaving England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt behind. Mandhana's rating points have now reached 735. Smriti Mandhana has previously held the number-1 position in June-July 2025 and also received this honor in 2019. Mandhana's batting technique and aggressive play make her a b pillar for Team India.
Performance of Other Indian Players
Besides Mandhana, other Indian players have also improved in the rankings:
- Pratika Rawal: Climbed four places to 42nd position.
- Harleen Deol: Moved up five spots to 43rd position.
- However, Mandhana is currently the only Indian player in the top-10.
- Sneh Rana, the Indian off-spinner, has jumped 5 places to reach the 13th position in the bowling rankings. Her spin bowling capability is proving crucial for Team India.
Australian Players' Rankings Also Rise
The rankings of players from the Australian team, which registered an eight-wicket victory in the ODI series, have also seen an improvement:
- Beth Mooney: Moved up three places to the fifth position.
- Annabel Sutherland and Phoebe Litchfield: Jointly at the 25th position, thanks to their half-centuries.
Bowlers' Rankings
- Kim Garth: Moved up one spot to fourth place.
- Alana King: In fifth place.
In the all-rounder rankings, Ash Gardner remains at the top, while Annabel Sutherland is at sixth and Ellyse Perry at 13th position. Smriti Mandhana's ascent to the top spot in the ICC rankings has caused England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt to lose one place. This change is a significant achievement for Indian women's cricket and a morale booster for the team ahead of the Asia Cup and World Cup.
