Smriti Mandhana Tops ICC ODI Rankings After Six Years
After a gap of six years, India’s star opener Smriti Mandhana has reclaimed her place at the top of the ICC Women’s ODI batting rankings. With 727 rating points, Mandhana is once again the No. 1 ODI batter in the world, a position she last held in 2019. This notable achievement comes just ahead of India’s crucial white-ball tour of England.
Mandhana’s return to form has been underlined by her performances in the recent tri-series where she scored 51 against South Africa and followed it up with a commanding 116 against Sri Lanka in the final. These innings not only showcased her consistency but also served as a timely reminder of her ability to deliver under pressure.
Solid Performances Fuel Mandhana’s Rise
Smriti Mandhana’s consistent run with the bat has been the foundation of her return to the top. Her half-century against South Africa and her century in the tri-series final were vital knocks that helped solidify her rating points and push her ahead in the rankings.
The tri-series, which featured South Africa and hosts Sri Lanka, offered a challenging contest, but Mandhana’s batting was a standout. Her ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed reflects her maturity and experience at the international level.
Her 727 points place her above South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt and England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt, both of whom are tied at second place with 717 points each.
Key Rivals Lag Behind in 2025
Laura Wolvaardt has had a lukewarm 2025 so far. Despite playing five ODIs this year, she has managed an average of just 28.20, with a highest score of 46. In South Africa’s ongoing series against West Indies, she has scored 27 and 28 in the first two matches, a performance that cost her 17 rating points and her place at the top of the table.
Meanwhile, England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt remains steady in the rankings but hasn’t done enough to leapfrog Mandhana. Though a reliable performer, Sciver-Brunt’s recent matches have lacked the explosive brilliance that often propels players to the top.
Amy Jones of England and Australia’s Ellyse Perry follow closely behind with 689 and 684 rating points, respectively. These seasoned players continue to contribute for their teams, but have not yet matched Mandhana’s recent scoring consistency.
Indian Batters in the ICC Top 20
While Mandhana leads the Indian charge, she remains the only player from India in the top 10 of the ODI batting rankings. Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur are the other two Indian batters who feature in the top 20, standing at 15th and 16th places, respectively.
This underlines the importance of Mandhana’s role in the Indian batting lineup. Her consistency at the top of the order gives India a strong foundation, especially in matches where early breakthroughs can shift the momentum.
Upcoming England Tour Crucial for India
India is set to tour England for a white-ball series that includes five T20Is and three ODIs. The first T20I is scheduled for June 28, and the spotlight will be firmly on Mandhana. Her ability to navigate challenging conditions in England will be tested, particularly against a potent home bowling attack.
Mandhana’s record in England has been promising in previous tours, and her adaptability will be crucial in this series. With England known for its swinging conditions and disciplined pace attack, Mandhana’s technique and shot selection will come under scrutiny.
This tour is not only important for Mandhana’s individual momentum but also for the Indian team, which is looking to build a cohesive unit in preparation for upcoming ICC events.
Bowling Rankings See No Major Changes
There have been no changes at the top of the ICC Women’s ODI bowling rankings. England’s Sophie Ecclestone remains the top-ranked bowler in the world, followed by Australian bowlers Ashleigh Gardner and Megan Schutt.
Ecclestone’s ability to control games with her spin and variations has kept her firmly ahead in the rankings. Gardner and Schutt, with their consistent performances, continue to be vital assets for Australia.
Among notable movements, West Indies spinner Afy Fletcher made significant progress. She moved up four spots to 19th in the rankings after claiming four wickets against South Africa in the second ODI at Barbados. Fletcher’s performance is a testament to how impactful spells in crucial matches can influence global standings.
No Change in the All-Rounders Rankings
The top 10 in the ICC Women’s ODI all-rounder rankings remain unchanged. Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner retains her No. 1 spot, followed by West Indies’ Hayley Matthews and South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp.
These players have consistently contributed in both departments — batting and bowling — and their multi-dimensional skills make them integral to their teams. Gardner’s ability to change the game with quick runs and tight bowling continues to make her one of the most valuable players in world cricket.
Competitive Cricket Scene in 2025
The 2025 season has been packed with competitive fixtures in women’s cricket. From bilateral series to tri-nation tournaments, teams have been putting their combinations to the test. India’s performance in the tri-series against Sri Lanka and South Africa was a major boost ahead of their England tour.
At the same time, South Africa’s series against West Indies has thrown up important takeaways, especially concerning individual player form and team strategies. The year so far has proven that women’s ODI cricket is no longer dominated by one or two teams — the playing field is leveling, and competition is intensifying.
Mandhana’s Legacy Beyond Numbers
Smriti Mandhana’s climb to the top of the rankings is not just about statistics. It’s a reflection of her dedication, work ethic, and the calmness she brings to the crease. Her elegant stroke play, especially on the off-side, has made her a delight to watch and a nightmare for opposition bowlers.
She has often led the batting unit from the front, setting the tone for Indian innings whether they are batting first or chasing. Her presence provides much-needed stability, especially when young players are transitioning into the international arena.
Mandhana is also a role model for young girls across India and the cricketing world. Her journey from a small-town cricketer to a global star is an inspiring story of perseverance and focus.
Looking Ahead: India’s Roadmap and Challenges
As the Indian women’s team embarks on their tour of England, there’s much at stake. The team will look to gain vital international exposure, test different combinations, and prepare for future ICC events. With Mandhana in red-hot form, the batting looks strong, but India will need support from the middle order and bowlers to pose a serious challenge to England.
The England series will be crucial not just in terms of ICC ranking points, but also in building the confidence and momentum needed for bigger tournaments. Every match will provide insight into how far this Indian team has come — and how far it still needs to go.
The Indian selectors and coaching staff will likely keep a close eye on performances, especially from young prospects who might be part of the World Cup plans. Consistency, fitness, and adaptability will be key attributes as India aims to build a balanced squad.
A Balanced Global Scenario for Women’s Cricket
Globally, the women’s game is enjoying a golden phase of growth. Australia remains a strong contender across formats, England has depth and experience, and South Africa continues to develop a core team. West Indies, with their unpredictable flair, can surprise any opponent on their day.
India, with stars like Mandhana and a pool of emerging talent, is pushing forward to become one of the most formidable sides in women’s cricket. But the competition is fierce, and maintaining peak performance is essential.
The ICC rankings are now more fluid than ever. Performance in every series can result in significant movement, reflecting a more competitive and merit-based system that promotes excellence and consistency.
A New Chapter in Global Women’s Cricket
Smriti Mandhana’s return to the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings is a defining moment in the 2025 cricket calendar. It symbolizes the rise of Indian women’s cricket on the global stage and sets the tone for an exciting tour of England.
While individual glory is sweet, the larger narrative is about team performance, global competitiveness, and the evolution of the women’s game. With stars like Mandhana leading from the front, and the world watching, women’s cricket is poised for even greater achievements in the months ahead.
