Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana has reached a historic milestone by rising to World No. 1 in the ICC Women’s ODI batting rankings. With an impressive 828 rating points, she now enjoys a commanding lead of nearly 100 points over second-placed Ashleigh Gardner of Australia. This achievement highlights Mandhana’s remarkable form and consistency on the international stage.
Dominating the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup
Mandhana’s position at the top was largely boosted by her outstanding performances in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. She played a crucial role in India’s campaign, with match-winning knocks including:
- 109 against New Zealand — a brilliant century showcasing her class and temperament
- Unbeaten 34 against Bangladesh — a steady finishing effort that secured victory
These impactful innings contributed significantly to her surge in the rankings, reinforcing her reputation as one of the world’s best opening batters.
ICC Women’s Player of the Month: September 2025
Adding to her celebrations, Smriti Mandhana has also been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for September 2025. Her exceptional batting, leadership presence, and ability to anchor India’s innings have earned her global recognition and applause from cricket fans and experts worldwide.
Pratika Rawal Breaks Into Top 30 Despite Injury Exit
Mandhana’s opening partner Pratika Rawal also enjoyed a rise in the rankings. Rawal climbed to 27th place with 564 points, delivering solid performances before being forced to withdraw from the tournament due to injury. Her progress adds depth to India’s evolving batting lineup, suggesting a bright future ahead for the Women in Blue.
Bowling Rankings: Sophie Ecclestone Still on Top
While Mandhana rules the batting charts, the ICC Women’s ODI bowling rankings continue to be led by England’s Sophie Ecclestone, who maintains her stronghold with 747 points. Ecclestone remains the most dominant bowler in women’s cricket today, delivering consistently across formats.
There has also been movement among the top contenders:
- Alana King (Australia) climbs to second position, marking her steady rise as a top-level spinner
- Ashleigh Gardner drops to third in bowling despite her success with the bat
A Proud Moment for Indian Women’s Cricket
Smriti Mandhana’s rise to the top of the ICC rankings reflects the growing strength and global competitiveness of Indian women’s cricket. Her achievement not only inspires young cricketers but also boosts India’s confidence heading into future international fixtures.
As the Women’s Cricket World Cup continues, fans will closely watch Mandhana’s performances as she aims to extend her lead and continue her golden run.
