Linsey Smith Achieves No. 1 Spot in ICC Women's T20I Bowling Rankings

Linsey Smith has made history by becoming the top-ranked bowler in the ICC Women's T20I Bowling Rankings for the first time. Her remarkable performances against New Zealand and India have propelled her to this prestigious position. Alongside her, other bowlers like Lauren Bell and Charlie Dean are also climbing the ranks. As the T20 World Cup approaches, the competition among bowlers intensifies, with several players making significant moves in the rankings. This article delves into the latest updates in both bowling and batting categories, highlighting the rising stars in women's cricket.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 2, 2026, 15:26 IST

Linsey Smith's Historic Achievement

Linsey Smith, the England spinner, has made a significant leap in her cricket career by reaching the top of the ICC Women's T20I Bowling Rankings for the first time. This achievement follows her outstanding performances against New Zealand and India, where she surpassed Pakistan's Sadia Iqbal to secure the No. 1 position. Her recent form highlights her increasing impact within England's T20I team, as noted by the ICC.

At 31 years old, Smith's journey has been a long one. She debuted in 2018 but only became a consistent member of the England squad in late 2024 after a lengthy absence from international play. Her recent Player of the Series accolade against New Zealand, along with a strong performance in England's victory over India in Bristol, has propelled her to a career-high rating just before the ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

Other Bowlers Making Progress

Smith's teammate, Lauren Bell, has also seen improvement, moving up one spot to third in the T20I bowling rankings. Meanwhile, acting England captain Charlie Dean has climbed two positions to fifth. India's Shree Charani made a notable jump of seven places to fourth after taking three wickets against England. The competition is tight, with only 39 rating points separating the top ten bowlers as the T20 World Cup approaches on June 12.

Shifts in Batting and All-Rounder Rankings

Georgia Voll from Australia maintains her lead in the T20I batting rankings, but there are notable movements outside the top ten. India's Jemimah Rodrigues has risen four spots to tie for 11th, while Ireland's all-rounder Orla Prendergast has surged ten places to share the 16th position after scoring an unbeaten 71 against the West Indies.

Prendergast has also moved up one position to sixth in the T20I all-rounder rankings. Additionally, Bangladesh's captain Nigar Sultana Joty has climbed four spots to 20th, and Pakistan's Muneeba Ali has improved by two places to tie for 32nd in the latest T20I batting list.