England spinner Linsey Smith has climbed to the top of the ICC Women’s T20I Bowling Rankings for the first time in her career, capping a remarkable resurgence just days before the start of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales.
The left-arm spinner overtook Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal in the latest rankings update following a string of impressive performances during England’s home season. Smith’s rise comes after she starred in England’s 2-1 T20I series victory over New Zealand, where she claimed six wickets in three matches at an outstanding average of 8.33 and economy rate of 4.16. Her best figures of 3/25 helped her secure the Player of the Series award and laid the foundation for her ascent to the summit of the rankings. Playing in the ongoing T20I series against India in Bristol, she earned enough ranking points to move ahead of Sadia and become the world’s top-ranked T20I bowler.
The achievement marks a significant milestone in a career that has been defined by perseverance. Smith made her England debut in 2018 but spent almost five years out of the international setup before returning to the side. Since becoming a regular fixture in England’s T20I plans towards the end of 2024, she has steadily established herself as one of the most reliable spin bowlers in the women’s game.
England’s dominance in the bowling rankings extends beyond Smith. Fast bowler Lauren Bell climbed one place to third, while off-spinning all-rounder Charlie Dean rose two spots to fifth after a productive series against New Zealand. With three bowlers now occupying positions inside the top five, England head into the World Cup with one of the most formidable bowling attacks in the competition.
India’s N Sree Charani was among the biggest movers in the latest update. The left-arm spinner jumped seven places to fourth after her impressive 3 for 25 performance against England, continuing a breakthrough year at the international level. Her rise highlights the growing competition among the world’s leading bowlers, with only 39 rating points separating the top 10 players in the rankings.
The batting rankings also saw several notable changes. Australia opener Georgia Voll retained her place at No.1 and remains the highest-ranked batter in the format heading into the World Cup. India’s Jemimah Rodrigues moved up four places to joint 11th after consistent contributions in recent matches.
Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast enjoyed one of the biggest gains among batters. Prendergast climbed 10 positions to equal 16th following her unbeaten 71 against West Indies in Dublin, an innings that further enhanced her growing reputation on the international stage. Prendergast also made progress in the all-rounders’ rankings, moving up one place to sixth. Elsewhere, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty advanced four places to 20th among batters, while Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali gained two spots to move into a tie for 32nd.
The rankings update arrives at a pivotal moment, with the Women’s T20 World Cup less than two weeks away and teams beginning to fine-tune their combinations for the tournament. England, who open their campaign against Sri Lanka in Birmingham on June 12, will take confidence from having three bowlers ranked inside the top five, while rivals such as India, Australia and Pakistan also boast players in strong form heading into the competition.
For Smith, the rise to No.1 comes at an ideal time as England prepare for a home World Cup campaign. The left-armer’s recent form adds another dimension to an already formidable bowling unit that includes world-class spinner Sophie Ecclestone, fellow top-five ranked bowler Charlie Dean and pace spearhead Lauren Bell. With England aiming to challenge for the title on home soil, Smith’s emergence as the world’s top-ranked T20I bowler further strengthens an attack.
Loves all things female cricket