Laura Wolvaardt Overtaken by Smriti Mandhana
With her rise to the top spot, Mandhana has solidified her position as one of the leading batters in women's cricket, and her performance will be closely watched in the upcoming ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025, where India will be the host, and she will look to continue her excellent form.
Smriti Mandhana has reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Women's ODI Batting Rankings, surpassing South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, who lost 19 rating points, and now leads the rankings with 727 rating points.
Mandhana's recent form, including a century in the final of India's tri-series, has contributed to her rise. She has been in excellent touch, scoring her 11th ODI century, and has improved her rating past Wolvaardt, who now shares second place with England's Nat Sciver-Brunt. This is the second time Mandhana has achieved this feat, with her first stint at the top spot ending in November 2019.
Other notable movers on the list include West Indies' Shemaine Campbelle and Qiana Joseph, and South African bowler Afy Fletcher, who rose to 19th on the list for ODI bowlers after a four-wicket haul against South Africa. The Indian opener has been in excellent form, scoring a century in the final of India's recent tri-series against Sri Lanka and South Africa.
The ICC also announced the schedule for the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025, which will begin on September 30, with India as the host. Mandhana is also ranked fourth in the list of batters in T20Is, showcasing her versatility and talent in the sport.