Smriti Mandhana Returns to No. 1 in ICC Women’s ODI Rankings

Smriti Mandhana's Remarkable Comeback

Indian cricket sensation Smriti Mandhana has made a triumphant return to the top of the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings, reclaiming the No. 1 position for the first time since 2019. The latest rankings update released by the ICC on Tuesday marks the end of a six-year wait for the talented batter.

🚨 SMRITI MANDHANA BECOMES THE NUMBER 1 RANKED BATTER IN WOMEN'S ODI RANKING 🚨 pic.twitter.com/989yhtyuQ0

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 17, 2025

Mandhana's rise to the top has come at the expense of South Africa's captain, Laura Wolvaardt, who has dropped in the rankings after a series of underwhelming performances against the West Indies, losing 19 rating points. Although Mandhana has consistently been a top contender in the rankings, this marks her significant return to the pinnacle.

The Indian opener has showcased exceptional form recently, particularly during the final of the tri-series held in Colombo against Sri Lanka and South Africa, where she scored a brilliant century. This remarkable performance, her 11th ODI century, significantly boosted her rating and allowed her to surpass Wolvaardt, who managed scores of 27 and 28 in her last two outings.

Consequently, Wolvaardt now shares the second position with England's Nat Sciver-Brunt. Other notable changes in the batting rankings include South Africa's Tazmin Brits, who climbed five spots to 27th, and Sune Luus, who advanced seven places to 42nd.

Several players from the West Indies also made significant gains, with Shemaine Campbelle moving up seven ranks to 62nd and Qiana Joseph improving by 12 ranks to 67th. In the bowling rankings, West Indies spinner Afy Fletcher was the biggest mover, rising four positions to 19th after her impressive four-wicket haul against South Africa.

England's Sophie Ecclestone continues to hold the top spot in the bowling rankings, while South Africa's Nonkululeko Mlaba and Chloe Tryon also made strides. Mlaba improved by six positions to 23rd, and Tryon moved up to 45th. Mlaba's all-round performance, which included a four-wicket haul, propelled her up by 11 places to 35th.

With the rankings shifting dramatically across all categories, Mandhana's return to the number one position highlights her consistency and skill, providing a much-needed boost for India ahead of upcoming international matches.