India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings - the fourth time in her career she has reached the top.
Mandhana Back on Top After Fine Knock in Series Opener
Mandhana’s 32nd ODI half-century in the series opener against Australia propelled her past England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt in the latest rankings. The left-hander began the home series in fine touch, scoring a fluent 58 off 63 balls, continuing her strong run in the format.
In 2024, Mandhana struck four of her 11 career centuries, the most by any batter in a single calendar year. She currently averages 46.46 at a strike rate of 87.87 in ODIs.
Mandhana first reached the top spot in January 2019 and most recently held it in July, before Sciver-Brunt overtook her. Harmanpreet Kaur (12th) and Jemimah Rodrigues (15th) are the other Indian batters currently ranked in the top 20.
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Australia Take Series Lead Despite Mandhana’s Knock
Despite her performance, Mandhana ended up on the losing side, as Australia chased down India’s 282-run target to take a 1–0 lead in the series. The chase was powered by fifties from Beth Mooney, Phoebe Litchfield, and Annabel Sutherland, who also made notable gains in the latest ODI rankings.
In the bowling charts, Australia’s Kim Garth and Alana King achieved career-best rankings, rising to 4th and 5th respectively. India’s Deepti Sharma retained her 7th spot, while Sophie Ecclestone continues to lead the ODI bowling rankings.
India and Australia will play the second ODI on Wednesday in New Chandigarh, with the hosts looking to level the series.
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