Indian Star Reclaims the No. 1 Spot in Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

India’s Smriti Mandhana has become the No. 1 batter in the ICC Women’s ODI rankings once again. This is the first time she is at the top since November 2019.

Mandhana now has 727 points, ahead of South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt and England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt, who are both tied at second place with 717 points.

Mandhana’s rise stems from her outstanding form in the recent tri-series involving Sri Lanka and South Africa. She scored 51 against South Africa and then hit a superb 116 in the final against Sri Lanka.

It was also her 11th ODI century. These were her last 2 ODI innings, and they helped her climb back to No. 1.

In contrast, Wolvaardt has had a tough time this year. She has played 5 ODIs in 2025 so far, with an average of just 28.20. Her highest score was 43.

In the ongoing series against the West Indies, Wolvaardt scored 27 and 28. It made her lose valuable rating points and her grip on the No. 1 ranking she had held for over 6 months.

Mandhana is the only Indian player in the top 10 of the batting rankings. Jemimah Rodrigues is in 15th place, while Captain Harmanpreet Kaur is 16th. The top 5 also include England’s Amy Jones and Australia’s Ellyse Perry.

On the bowling side, England’s Sophie Ecclestone stays at No. 1. Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner and Megan Schutt follow her.

West Indies spinner Afy Fletcher moved up 4 spots to 19th after taking 4 wickets against South Africa. South Africa’s Nonkululek Mlaba also rose 5 spots to joint-22nd following her impressive performances against India.

There were no changes in the top 3 among all-rounders. Gardner remains No. 1, followed by West Indies’ Hayley Matthews and South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp.

New Zealand’s Sophie Devine will retire from ODIs after this year’s World Cup in India. She is ranked 9th among all-rounders. She also holds 13th place among batters.

Mandhana’s return to the top is a big boost for India as they prepare for the World Cup at home later this year. Her strong performances have once again made her one of the stars to watch in women’s cricket.