India’s star batter Smriti Mandhana continues to dominate the ICC Women’s ODI batting rankings, maintaining her position at the summit despite a slight dip in form during the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup. The elegant left-hander, often celebrated for her consistency and stroke-making finesse, remains a cornerstone of Indian women’s cricket, though her recent outings have narrowed the gap between her and her closest rivals.
Mandhana Still the Benchmark in Women’s ODI Cricket
With 791 rating points to her name, Mandhana sits comfortably in first place on the ODI batting charts. However, her lead over England’s all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt, who is second with 731 points, has been reduced to just 60 points. The Indian opener, known for her fluent drives and fearless intent, entered the tournament on the back of stunning performances including back-to-back centuries in a bilateral series against Australia but has managed scores of only 8 against Sri Lanka and 23 versus Pakistan in the World Cup so far.
While those numbers may not reflect her usual dominance, cricket analysts believe Mandhana’s class and experience will soon translate into big runs as the tournament progresses. Her ability to anchor innings under pressure and shift gears when required has long made her one of the most dependable batters in modern women’s cricket.
A Tight Battle Among the Top Five
Behind Mandhana, the competition is heating up. Australia’s Beth Mooney remains in third place with 713 points, continuing her steady form across formats. Mooney’s adaptability whether opening the innings or finishing games in the middle order — has made her a key figure in Australia’s world-beating setup.
Two names making rapid progress are South Africa’s Tazmin Brits and Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner, both of whom delivered outstanding performances in the ongoing World Cup.
- Tazmin Brits, after her century against New Zealand, jumped two places to reach fourth with 706 points.
- Ashleigh Gardner, known for her aggressive batting and handy off-spin, surged seven places to fifth, earning a career-best 697 rating points following her own ton against New Zealand.
These performances have not only brought them closer to Mandhana but have also highlighted the growing depth in women’s international cricket, where more teams are producing match-winners capable of challenging the traditional powerhouses.
Notable Movers: Devine and Amin Impress
Further down the rankings, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine has climbed seven places to secure the eighth position, reinforcing her reputation as one of the most dynamic all-rounders in the game. Devine’s aggressive batting and leadership continue to inspire the White Ferns, even in a transitional phase for the team.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Sidra Amin has reached a personal milestone by equalling her career-best 10th place after her impressive knock of 81 against India in Colombo. Amin’s rise reflects Pakistan’s growing competitiveness in women’s cricket, particularly in the batting department, where she has emerged as a stabilizing force at the top of the order.
England’s Sophie Ecclestone Dominates the Bowling Rankings
While Mandhana leads the batting charts, England’s Sophie Ecclestone remains the undisputed number one among bowlers. The world’s top-ranked left-arm spinner currently holds 792 rating points, continuing her stranglehold on opponents with her flight, control, and ability to strike in crucial moments.
For India, Deepti Sharma continues to be the lone representative in the top ten. She currently occupies the sixth position with 640 rating points, slipping one place. Despite the slight drop, Deepti remains an invaluable asset to India’s ODI setup, offering balance as a reliable off-spinner and a composed lower-order batter.
Mandhana’s Global Impact and Legacy
Smriti Mandhana’s continued reign at the top of the rankings isn’t just about numbers — it’s a reflection of her influence on the women’s game. Since her international debut, she has become the face of Indian women’s cricket, inspiring a new generation of players across Asia. Her stylish stroke play, often compared to Virat Kohli’s timing and grace, has made her a global icon.
Her success also underlines the steady progress of Indian women’s cricket, which has witnessed a surge in popularity through domestic leagues like the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Mandhana’s leadership with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Women’s team has added another dimension to her career, allowing her to shape young talents and bring professional structure to the sport in India.
Cricket commentator Anjum Chopra recently noted, “Smriti’s form might fluctuate, but her impact remains constant. Every time she walks out to bat, there’s a sense of anticipation — she has that rare ability to change the momentum of a match in just a few overs.”
World Cup Context: A Platform for Redemption
The ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka has already delivered several standout performances. With teams like England, Australia, and South Africa pushing the boundaries of competitive play, Mandhana’s upcoming matches could be crucial for maintaining her top ranking.
India’s success in the tournament heavily depends on her ability to anchor the batting lineup. Fans and experts alike expect her to rediscover her rhythm as the competition intensifies. A big score in the knockout stages could help her not only retain her ranking lead but also strengthen India’s bid for a maiden World Cup title.
The Bigger Picture: Women’s Cricket at a Turning Point
The latest ICC rankings reflect more than just individual achievements — they symbolize the evolving competitiveness of women’s cricket. With players from Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa making significant gains, the global landscape is becoming more balanced.
As tournaments like the Women’s World Cup and WPL continue to draw massive audiences, players such as Mandhana, Ecclestone, and Sciver-Brunt are becoming household names, proving that women’s cricket is entering a golden era.
Conclusion
Smriti Mandhana may have endured a quiet start to her World Cup campaign, but her position as the No.1 ODI batter remains secure — for now. Her consistency over the past few years, coupled with her leadership and flair, ensures that she continues to set the standard for excellence in women’s cricket.
With the tournament far from over, all eyes will be on Mandhana to regain her best form and reaffirm why she’s considered one of the most complete batters in world cricket today.
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