Great news for Indian cricket fans! The talented India opener, Smriti Mandhana ODI Ranking is back at the top spot in the ICC’s One Day International (ODI) batting rankings for women. This is a big moment, as it’s the first time since 2019 that Mandhana has held the No. 1 position. Her amazing performances have pushed her to the very top, making her the world’s best ODI batter right now. This change in the Smriti Mandhana ODI Ranking shows her incredible skill and consistency over the past few years.
Mandhana now has 727 rating points, a clear lead over other top players. South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt (717 rating points), who recently lost 17 points, has dropped to a shared second place. She now shares this spot with England’s powerful all-rounder, Nat Sciver-Brunt. This latest update in the Smriti Mandhana ODI Ranking highlights the exciting competition at the top of women’s international cricket. Let’s explore how Mandhana reached this milestone and what it means for her and for Indian women’s cricket. We will also look at other important changes in the ICC rankings.
Smriti Mandhana’s Journey Back to the Top: The Key Performances
The journey to reclaim the No. 1 Smriti Mandhana ODI Ranking has been built on a series of strong performances, especially in her recent matches. Mandhana has always been known for her graceful batting and ability to score quickly. Her recent form has been exceptional, showing why she is considered one of the best in the world.
In early May, Mandhana played in a tri-series involving India, South Africa, and hosts Sri Lanka. Her scores in this series were crucial in boosting her Smriti Mandhana ODI Ranking. She first scored a vital 51 runs against South Africa. This innings showed her ability to perform under pressure and build a solid foundation.
Then, in the final of the tri-series against Sri Lanka, Mandhana truly shined. She scored a brilliant 116 runs. This century was her 11th in ODIs and a match-winning effort. It was a clear demonstration of her current excellent form and her ability to convert good starts into big scores. These two innings were her last two ODI appearances before the ranking update, and they proved to be decisive in her climb back to the premier Smriti Mandhana ODI Ranking.
Her consistent performance, especially her century in the final, showed her hunger for runs and her dedication. This return to the top Smriti Mandhana ODI Ranking is not just a personal achievement but also a source of pride for Indian cricket. It marks a significant moment for the 28-year-old Indian vice-captain, who has been a consistent performer for her country for many years.
How Other Top Batters Are Ranked: The Competitive Landscape
The women’s ODI batting rankings are highly competitive, and the Smriti Mandhana ODI Ranking at the top pushes other world-class batters to strive harder.
Laura Wolvaardt, the South African captain, had been holding the top spot. However, her recent performances have seen a slight dip in form, costing her rating points. In her five ODI appearances in 2025, Wolvaardt has averaged 28.20, with her highest score being 43. More recently, in the first two ODIs of South Africa’s ongoing series against West Indies, she scored 27 and 28. These scores, while not failures, were not enough to maintain her lead, allowing Mandhana to surpass her in the Smriti Mandhana ODI Ranking.
England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt now shares the second spot with Wolvaardt. Sciver-Brunt is known for her all-round skills and powerful hitting, consistently featuring among the top batters. Rounding out the top five are England’s Amy Jones and Australia’s brilliant all-rounder Ellyse Perry. These players make the top of the batting charts a very exciting place to watch.
Mandhana is currently the only Indian batter in the top ten of the ODI rankings. However, other Indian players are close behind and steadily climbing. Jemimah Rodrigues is currently ranked 15th, and India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur is just one spot below her at 16th. Their performances will be key in future updates to the ICC rankings.
ODI Bowling Rankings: Who Leads the Pack?
While there was a big change in the batting rankings with the new Smriti Mandhana ODI Ranking, the top of the ODI bowling charts remained the same.
England’s left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone continues to hold a strong lead as the No. 1 ODI bowler. She is well ahead of her closest competitors, showcasing her consistent wicket-taking ability and tight bowling. Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner and Megan Schutt hold the second and third positions respectively. These bowlers have been outstanding performers for their teams over a long period.
However, there was a notable rise in the rankings for West Indies spinner Afy Fletcher. Her impressive four-wicket haul against South Africa in the second ODI helped her gain four spots, moving up to 19th position. This shows that strong individual performances can still lead to significant climbs in the rankings, even if the top spots remain unchanged. Indian bowler Deepti Sharma is also a consistent presence in the top 5, currently at 4th position among ODI bowlers.
ODI All-Rounder Rankings: Consistent Performers
The all-rounders’ category in ODI cricket also saw no changes in its top ten, highlighting the consistent dominance of certain players across both batting and bowling disciplines.
Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner leads the list, showing her immense value to her team with both bat and ball. West Indies’ captain Hayley Matthews holds the No. 2 spot, while South Africa’s powerful all-rounder Marizanne Kapp is at No. 3. These three players are considered the best all-rounders in women’s ODI cricket right now.
New Zealand’s Sophie Devine, a highly respected player, is currently ranked ninth among all-rounders and 13th among batters. Devine recently announced her decision to retire from ODIs after the upcoming World Cup in September, which will be hosted by India. Her presence in the top ranks despite her upcoming retirement speaks volumes about her enduring quality.
The Impact of Smriti Mandhana’s Return to Number 1
Smriti Mandhana’s return to the No. 1 Smriti Mandhana ODI Ranking is more than just a personal triumph. It’s a huge boost for women’s cricket in India. Her popularity and exceptional skills continue to inspire young girls across the country to take up the sport. This achievement also represents the increasing profile and professionalism of women’s cricket around the world.
The fact that Mandhana achieved this milestone after more than six years of not holding the top spot highlights her perseverance, skill, and passion for the game. She has consistently been a top-tier batter, but reaching the pinnacle again after such a long gap speaks volumes about her dedication and continuous improvement.
This competitive nature at the top, with Mandhana, Sciver-Brunt, and Wolvaardt battling for supremacy, shows the high level of quality and talent in elite women’s cricket today. It fuels excitement and draws more attention to the sport. As India and England prepare for another high-profile series later this month – which includes 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs – Mandhana’s top ranking will put an even brighter spotlight on the contests, promising exciting matches and increased fan engagement.
Conclusion: Smriti Mandhana ODI Ranking – A Milestone for Indian Cricket
Smriti Mandhana ODI Ranking as the current holder of the No. 1 position in the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings is a historic achievement. It’s a moment of great pride for India and a celebration for the entire cricketing world. Her journey back to the top demonstrates her consistent excellence, graceful batting, and unwavering commitment to being the best.
This achievement, coupled with the competitive spirit shown by other top international players, signifies a golden era for women’s cricket. It inspires future generations and continues to elevate the sport globally. Smriti Mandhana’s return to the top of the Smriti Mandhana ODI Ranking is a story of hard work, talent, and seizing the opportunity to be at the absolute peak of her game.
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