Indian cricketers Smriti Mandhana and Renuka Singh have achieved notable advancements in the latest ICC T20I rankings, following their stellar performances in the recently concluded Women’s Asia Cup. Both athletes, who were already within the top 10 rankings for batters and bowlers respectively, have now escalated to fourth and fifth positions.
Smriti Mandhana’s impeccable form was instrumental in her rise in the rankings. She played a critical role in the tournament, including a crucial half-century in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka. Over the tournament, Mandhana accumulated an impressive 173 runs from five innings, boasting an average of 57.67 and a strike rate of 137.3, making her the third-highest run-scorer of the event. Her outstanding prowess on the field has garnered her a total of 743 rating points.
On the other hand, Shafali Verma, another standout performer in the Indian squad, emerged as the top run-scorer for India with a total of 200 runs. Despite her excellent performance, Verma retained her 11th place in the rankings.
The leading run-scorer of the Asia Cup 2024, Sri Lanka’s skipper Chamari Athapaththu, has also seen a jump in the rankings. Athapaththu, who accumulated 705 points, rose three places to clinch the sixth spot. She now trails fourth-placed Mandhana by just 38 points. The top three positions are currently held by Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, and Hayley Matthews, who continue to dominate with their consistent performances.
Among the bowlers, India’s Renuka Singh has made her presence felt by climbing four places to secure the fifth position. Renuka’s stellar performance in the Asia Cup saw her taking seven wickets in five matches. Deepti Sharma, another key bowler for India, topped the wicket-takers list with ten scalps to her name. Deepti has retained her third position in the rankings, just behind England’s Sophie Ecclestone and Sarah Glenn, who hold the top two spots with 772 and 760 rating points respectively.
. Deepti is close behind with 755 points, showcasing her consistent form.
The rankings for all-rounders, however, remained unchanged. Hayley Matthews continues to hold the top position, while India’s Deepti Sharma remains steadfast in third place. This consistency highlights the significant impact these players have had across all facets of the game.
The Women’s Asia Cup has undoubtedly been a platform for these cricketers to shine and make their mark on the international stage. Smriti Mandhana’s dynamic batting and Renuka Singh’s exceptional bowling have not only contributed to their team’s success but also highlighted their individual talents.
It’s worth noting the level of competition among the top players in the rankings. The battle for the top spots is intense, with each tournament providing an opportunity for shifts in positions. The ICC rankings continue to be a reflection of players’ performances, consistency, and their ability to deliver under pressure.
The Women’s Asia Cup brought attention to several players who might have previously been under the radar. Performances in such high-stakes tournaments significantly impact players’ rankings and can either cement their positions or see them tumble based on their recent exploits. Both Mandhana and Renuka Singh capitalize on these opportunities remarkably, proving their mettle against some of the best players in the world.
As the cricketing world looks forward to more international fixtures, all eyes will be on these rising stars. Their journey in climbing the ICC T20I rankings is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the sport. With more matches and tournaments on the horizon, there’s no doubt that the rankings will continue to evolve, presenting new opportunities for players to rise and make a name for themselves.
The advancements of Smriti Mandhana and Renuka Singh in the ICC T20I rankings are indicative of their exceptional skills and the high level of competition in women’s cricket. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and affirm their positions as significant contributors to their national team’s successes. As they continue to hone their skills and deliver outstanding performances, the future looks bright for these talented athletes on the international stage.
