The ICC Women’s T20I Rankings have seen notable shifts following the recently concluded series between India and the West Indies. Smriti Mandhana’s consistency with the bat and Hayley Matthews’ all-around brilliance have propelled them closer to the top positions in their respective categories.
1. India vs. West Indies T20I Series Recap
- The Indian team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, hosted the Hayley Matthews-led West Indies for a white-ball series from December 15 to 27, 2024.
- India claimed the three-match T20I series with a 2-1 victory, showcasing their dominance in the shortest format.
Key performances from both teams have significantly impacted the ICC rankings.
2. ICC Women’s T20I Batting Rankings: Top Movers
Smriti Mandhana: A Class Apart
- Smriti Mandhana was the standout performer with the bat, scoring three consecutive half-centuries.
- She ended the series as the highest run-scorer with 193 runs at a strike rate of 159.50 and an average of 64.33.
- These stellar performances helped her climb one spot to 2nd place with 753 points, inching closer to the top spot.
Hayley Matthews: West Indies’ Star
- Hayley Matthews was her team’s leading run-scorer and the third-highest in the series with 108 runs, including an unbeaten 85* off 47 balls in the second game.
- She climbed two spots to 3rd place with 748 points, tying with Tahlia McGrath of Australia.
Other Batting Highlights
- Jemimah Rodrigues (India): Scored 125 runs, including a 73 off 35 balls in the first T20I. She rose one spot to 14th with 618 points.
- Richa Ghosh (India): Her explosive 106 runs at a strike rate of 203.84 earned her a rise of five spots to 23rd place (575 points).
- Deandra Dottin (West Indies): Scored 77 runs in two innings, climbing four places to 35th (502 points).
- Qiana Joseph (West Indies): Scored 98 runs in three innings, moving up nine spots to 56th (435 points).
3. ICC Women’s T20I Bowling Rankings: Shifts in the Spotlight
Radha Yadav’s Dominance
- Radha Yadav was the leading wicket-taker in the series, grabbing six wickets in three matches.
- Her impressive performances pushed her three spots higher to 16th place with 663 points, tying with Hayley Matthews.
Sadia Iqbal’s Climb
- Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal inched closer to the top position, sharing the 2nd spot with Sophie Ecclestone (745 points).
Other Bowling Performers
- Shreyanka Patil (India): Climbed one spot to 20th with 628 points.
- Chenille Henry (West Indies): Took three wickets, jumping three spots to 61st with 441 points.
- Deandra Dottin (West Indies): Her four wickets in the series pushed her an astounding 96 spots to 99th place (331 points).
4. ICC Women’s T20I All-Rounder Rankings: Key Updates
Deandra Dottin’s Surge
- Deandra Dottin’s all-round brilliance, scoring 77 runs and taking four wickets, helped her climb 30 spots to 20th place with 166 points.
Chinelle Henry’s Impact
- Henry scored 50 runs and claimed three wickets, moving seven spots higher to 27th with 141 points.
Radha Yadav’s Contribution
- In addition to her six wickets, Radha contributed with the bat, climbing three spots to 76th with 64 points.
5. Emerging Stars and Promising Performers
Qiana Joseph (West Indies)
- Joseph’s consistent performance with the bat helped her jump three spots to 50th in the all-rounder rankings with 88 points.
Chenille Henry (West Indies)
- With both bat and ball contributions, she remains a player to watch, rising significantly in multiple rankings.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Women’s Cricket
The ICC Women’s T20I Rankings highlight the evolving dynamics of the sport. Smriti Mandhana and Hayley Matthews have showcased their world-class abilities, while emerging players like Richa Ghosh and Radha Yadav have added depth to their teams. As the cricketing world looks forward to more thrilling performances, these rankings underline the growing competitiveness and talent in women’s cricket.
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