India’s star opener Smriti Mandhana has made waves in women’s cricket by climbing to the second position in the latest ICC Women's ODI Batting Rankings, a remarkable achievement following her consistent performances in the recent series against Ireland. Mandhana, known for her elegant stroke play, scored an impressive 135 runs in the third ODI, along with solid contributions of 41 and 73 runs in the first and second matches of the series, respectively. Her total of 738 ranking points places her just behind South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who remains at the top with 773 points. Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu, with 733 points, completes the top three. This performance has not only cemented Mandhana’s place as one of the top batters in the world but also ensures her status as the only Indian in the top 10 of the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings.
Mandhana’s rise to the second spot underscores her growing consistency in one-day international cricket, and her performances have made her one of the most valuable players in India’s batting lineup. Jemimah Rodrigues, another promising Indian batter, has made significant strides as well, reaching the 17th position in the rankings after a stellar maiden ODI hundred against Ireland. Rodrigues’ century has propelled her upward, showcasing her potential to become one of the leading players for India in the years to come. However, despite missing the entire three-match ODI series against Ireland due to injury, India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur continues to hold the 15th spot, highlighting her status as a key player in the side.
Meanwhile, in the all-rounders' rankings, Deepti Sharma, one of India’s most important players, continues to shine. She is ranked sixth with 344 points, showing her all-round capabilities. Sharma’s ability to contribute both with the bat and the ball has solidified her place among the best all-rounders in women’s ODI cricket. The top spot in the all-rounders’ rankings is currently held by Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner, whose sensational performances in the Women's Ashes series against England have propelled her to the top. Gardner has taken her game to new heights, putting up stellar performances with both bat and ball. In the Women’s Ashes, Gardner scored her maiden ODI century against England, hitting a brilliant 102 off 102 balls in Hobart. She followed it up with a match-winning all-round performance in the first ODI at North Sydney Oval, where she not only took 3 wickets for 19 runs in 6.1 overs but also played a vital role in the chase by scoring an unbeaten 42 off 44 balls. This series of dominant performances has earned Gardner a career-high 469 points in the All-Rounder ODI Rankings, taking her 25 points ahead of South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp.
In the bowling rankings, Sophie Ecclestone of England continues to lead the pack as the world’s No. 1 bowler, thanks to her exceptional wicket-taking ability. Deepti Sharma, India’s standout all-rounder, holds her position at fourth in the bowling rankings with 680 points. Sharma's disciplined performances with the ball, including taking crucial wickets and maintaining a solid economy rate, have made her a key figure in India’s bowling attack.
Gardner’s rise as both a batter and an all-rounder has been nothing short of impressive, as she continues to play a pivotal role for Australia. With her recent breakthrough into the top 10 in the ODI batting rankings, reaching a career-best 648 points, she has not only solidified her standing as an elite all-rounder but also made a name for herself as a match-winning batter. Her contributions with the bat, ball, and in the field have been invaluable for the Australian women’s cricket team, especially in their dominating series against England.
Mandhana and Gardner’s remarkable achievements in the rankings reflect the growing competition and the evolving talent in women’s cricket. Both players are regarded as among the finest in the game, with Mandhana’s elegant batting and Gardner’s dynamic all-round contributions making them stand out on the global stage. Their success continues to inspire players in their respective countries and worldwide, ensuring that the future of women’s cricket remains bright with these exceptional athletes leading the way.
