Smriti Mandhana has climbed to the second spot in the ICC Women’s ODI batting rankings following her stellar performances in the recently concluded Tri-Nation tournament in Sri Lanka. The Indian opener was in sublime form throughout the series, amassing 264 runs in five innings, including a match-winning century in the final against Sri Lanka. Her consistent performances played a crucial role in India’s triumph in the tournament.
Smriti Mandhana Rises to Second Place in ODI Rankings
Mandhana’s rise in the rankings brings her within striking distance of South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who currently holds the top position. She is now just 11 rating points behind Wolvaardt, who struggled in the tri-series, managing only 86 runs. Mandhana’s dominance with the bat was evident as she showcased her ability to anchor the innings while also accelerating when needed. Her century in the final was a testament to her class, as she scored 116 off 101 balls, laced with 15 fours and two sixes.
The tri-series saw several other players making significant gains in the rankings. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu moved up two places to seventh after scoring 139 runs in the tournament, while India’s Jemimah Rodrigues climbed five spots to 15th. Among bowlers, India’s Deepti Sharma improved one place to fifth overall, reflecting her impactful performances in Sri Lanka.
Mandhana’s latest achievement further cements her status as one of the premier batters in women’s cricket. Having previously held the top spot in 2019, she is now on the verge of reclaiming it. With her current form, she remains a key player for India as they prepare for upcoming international fixtures.
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