Smriti Hits a Century Off the Pitch: Rises to World No. 1 in ODI Rankings

India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has risen to the world No. 1 position in the ICC Women's ODI batting rankings for the first time in over six years after she was last ranked at the top of the table in November 2019. Mandhana has 727 rating points, moving ahead of South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt and England's Nat Sciver-Brunt, who now both occupy the second place with 719 points each.

 

Key Highlights:

 

•⁠  ⁠Mandhana's return to the No. 1 position follows a superb display in the recently concluded tri-series in Colombo, where she hit her 11th ODI century and 264 runs at 52.80.

 

•⁠  ⁠Wolvaardt's disappointing spell, with scores of 27 and 28 against the West Indies, made way for Mandhana's entry.

 

•⁠  ⁠Mandhana has consistently been in the top 10 of ODIs but hadn't reached the summit since the beginning of 2019, and hence this return is important for Indian cricket.

 

•⁠  ⁠She is fourth on the T20I batsmen list too, bearing witness to her ability and consistency.

 

Prospects: Mandhana's return to the number one position in the world's top ODI batsmen is a massive confidence booster for India before their next series against England. Her captaincy and batting will be vital as India look to continue to rule women's cricket on the global stage.

 

Source: ICC, Hindustan Times, Indian Express