Smriti Mandhana Reclaims Top Spot in ICC Women's ODI Rankings

Mandhana Takes the Lead

In a significant update to the ICC Women's ODI Player Rankings, India's Smriti Mandhana has ascended to the number one position, overtaking South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt as of Tuesday.

Rising Stars from South Africa and Ireland

The latest rankings reflect notable advancements for players from South Africa and Ireland. The South African team achieved a remarkable seven-wicket victory in the series opener held in East London. Sune Luus and Miane Smit were instrumental in this success, both scoring half-centuries as they successfully chased a target of 210 runs in just 37 overs, according to the ICC's official updates.

Luus and Other Players Climb the Rankings

Following her impressive performance, Sune Luus climbed five positions to joint 31st among ODI batters. Meanwhile, Mandhana's score remained unchanged, allowing her to maintain her lead over Wolvaardt, who scored 31 runs in the match. Mandhana holds a rating of 811 points, while Wolvaardt's rating fell from 814 to 806 after the match against Ireland.

Movements in All-rounder and Bowler Rankings

Luus also made strides in the all-rounder category, moving up 10 places to 33rd. For Ireland, Orla Prendergast and Laura Delany were standout performers, with Prendergast rising one spot to 10th and Delany climbing three places to tie for 16th.

In the bowler rankings, Prendergast improved her position to 34th overall after taking 1 wicket for 34 runs in the match. Other notable advancements include Arlene Kelly moving up to 32nd, Cara Murray climbing four spots to equal 49th, and Laura Delany also rising four places to 67th.

Additionally, South African seamer Tumi Sekhukhune took two wickets in the match against Ireland, resulting in a seven-place jump to 78th in the ODI bowler rankings.