Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Oct 28: India’s star opener Smriti Mandhana has strengthened her grip on the No. 1 spot in the ICC Women’s ODI batting rankings, following a spectacular run of form at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. Her unbeaten 109 against New Zealand and a composed 34 not out against Bangladesh have pushed her to a career-best rating of 828 points.

Mandhana, recently crowned ICC Women’s Player of the Month for September 2025, now enjoys a commanding lead of nearly 100 points over her nearest rival, Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner, who climbed to second place with 731 points after scoring an unbeaten century against England.

Mandhana’s opening partner, Pratika Rawal, also made a notable rise — jumping into the top 30 for the first time at 27th place (564 points) — despite being ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to injury.

Elsewhere, South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt moved up two spots to enter the top three, courtesy of scores of 90 and 31 in recent matches. England’s Amy Jones advanced four places to ninth (656), while Australia’s Annabel Sutherland recorded the biggest leap among the top 40, soaring 16 spots to 16th (613).

In the bowling rankings, England’s Sophie Ecclestone continues to dominate with 747 points, followed by Australia’s Alana King, who reached a career-best 698 to claim second place. Ashleigh Gardner slipped to third with 689 points.

Pakistan’s Nashra Sundhu shares the 10th spot with South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba (610 each), while pace bowlers Marizanne Kapp and Annabel Sutherland moved up to fourth and seventh, respectively.

In the all-rounder rankings, Gardner retained her position as World No. 1 with 503 points, while Marizanne Kapp (422) overtook West Indies’ Hayley Matthews to become the new No. 2. Sutherland slipped one position to fourth.

Mandhana’s stellar rise cements her status as the standout performer of the tournament, leading India’s charge with consistency, poise, and record-breaking form.