Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, June 23: India's young left-arm spinner Sree Charani has climbed to the top of the ICC Women's T20I Bowling Rankings for the first time, following a string of outstanding performances in the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World Cup.
The 21-year-old has emerged as the tournament's leading wicket-taker and has overtaken England spinner Linsey Smith to become the highest-ranked bowler in women's T20 international cricket.
Charani's rapid rise continues an impressive journey that began just over a year ago with her international debut. Her impactful displays during the World Cup have established her as India's most potent bowling threat, with 10 wickets from just three matches in the tournament.
Her ascent to the No. 1 position was driven by consecutive match-winning spells. She first claimed a four-wicket haul against the Netherlands in Leeds — her second such performance in international cricket — before producing another impressive display by taking three wickets against South Africa in Manchester. The back-to-back performances earned her enough rating points to leapfrog Smith in the rankings.
England's Linsey Smith, who previously occupied the top spot, slipped to third after a comparatively quiet start to the tournament. Meanwhile, teammate Charlie Dean climbed to second place after collecting five wickets in England's opening three World Cup matches.
Several other bowlers also made significant progress in the latest rankings update. Former world No. 1 Sophie Ecclestone moved up four places to fourth, while West Indies captain Hayley Matthews surged nine positions to 11th. Australia's Kim Garth registered one of the biggest gains, jumping 25 places to break into the top 20.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana improved to 25th, while Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast climbed to 26th after a series of strong performances.
In the batting rankings, Australian opener Georgia Voll retained the No. 1 position despite scoring 62 runs in three World Cup innings. Fellow Australian Beth Mooney remained second and reduced the gap at the top.
India also saw gains among its batters, with Shafali Verma moving up to sixth place and captain Harmanpreet Kaur entering the top 10 after rising one spot.
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine advanced to 11th, while Ireland's Orla Prendergast continued her impressive rise by climbing four places to 13th. Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty also entered the top 20.
The all-rounders' rankings remained unchanged at the top, with West Indies captain Hayley Matthews holding on to the No. 1 spot ahead of New Zealand's Melie Kerr.
Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu moved up to third, while Ireland's Orla Prendergast and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana climbed to fifth and sixth respectively.
South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp also enjoyed a strong week, rising five places to ninth after delivering a Player of the Match performance against India.