Exciting Performances Shape ICC Women's T20I Rankings at Asia Cup
Asia Cup Kicks Off in UAE
The Women's Asia Cup has officially commenced in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), showcasing impressive performances during the opening weekend that have significantly impacted the ICC Women's T20I Player Rankings.
Sri Lankan Players Shine
Sri Lanka's captain, Chamari Athapaththu, has made notable strides this week, scoring an unbeaten 48 runs off 25 balls and taking one wicket for just 10 runs in three overs during her team's nine-wicket triumph over the UAE. This performance has solidified her position at sixth in the ICC Women's T20I Batting Rankings, while she has climbed three spots to 33rd in the Bowling Rankings and remains third among all-rounders. Athapaththu has achieved career-best rating points across all three categories: 734 in batting, 552 in bowling, and 405 among all-rounders.
Her opening partner, Imesha Dulai, also made headlines by moving up four places to a career-high 18th position with 625 points, thanks to her contribution of 25 runs from 18 balls. In the bowling department, Mithali Ayodhya's stellar performance of three wickets for 14 runs helped limit the UAE to 79 runs, propelling her up 18 spots to 70th with a career-best of 444 points. Additionally, Sugandika Kumari's two wickets for 18 runs allowed her to rise five slots to 23rd.
Other Teams' Progress
Thailand began their tournament with a narrow six-run victory over Hong Kong but faced a significant 94-run defeat against India. However, Nannapat Koncharoenkai's 41 runs off 48 balls against India earned her a one-slot advancement to 29th in the batting rankings. Suleeporn Laomi's impressive bowling performance of three wickets for 26 runs against India saw her rise five spots to joint-63rd.
Bangladesh made a strong statement with a commanding 71-run victory over Indonesia. Sobhana Mostary's performance earned her a one-slot rise to 39th with a career-best rating of 500. Meanwhile, Marufa Akter's two wickets for six runs in three overs helped her climb two places to 37th.
In India's lineup, Nandani Sharma's three wickets for 18 runs against Thailand propelled her up 38 slots to 112th.
Highlights from Associate Teams
In news from associate teams, Lucy Barnett played a crucial role in leading the Isle of Man to the Continental Cup final in Romania, finishing as the tournament's top run-scorer with a total of 257 runs, which has elevated her to joint-67th in the batting rankings. Rebecca Blake from Romania also had an impressive tournament, scoring 197 runs without being dismissed, resulting in a remarkable T20I average of 153.00 across 20 matches, placing her at joint-89th in the batting rankings.