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India’s star opener, Smriti Mandhana, has made impressive strides in the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings, moving up to the third position. Known for her consistency and powerful strokes, Mandhana’s recent performances against South Africa were instrumental in this rise. With back-to-back centuries in the ODI series, she demonstrated her capability to anchor India’s innings while also scoring briskly, a skill that has set her apart on the international stage.
Mandhana’s journey to this top ranking position is marked by remarkable achievements in her recent matches. In the opening game of the series, she scored a phenomenal 117, showcasing her ability to adapt to varied pitches and play strategically against different bowling attacks. In a later game, she further cemented her form with another century, reinforcing her position as one of the most reliable players in India’s lineup. These consistent performances have pushed her ODI ranking higher, allowing her to edge closer to England’s Natalie Sciver-Brunt and Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu, who hold the top two spots.
This achievement isn’t just a personal milestone for Mandhana but a significant boost for Indian women’s cricket, which has gained traction globally in recent years. Her rise in the rankings reflects the increasing competitive spirit in women’s cricket, where athletes like Mandhana are gaining international recognition. Currently, Mandhana leads as India’s highest-ranked player in the ODI format, outpacing her teammate and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who holds a respectable ninth position.
Mandhana’s success in this series against South Africa is also noteworthy as it marks her first series with consecutive centuries on home soil. This achievement comes amid a packed international schedule, where the Indian women’s team also participated in the T20 Asia Cup, securing the runner-up position. Mandhana’s high-scoring contributions helped solidify India’s standing in these tournaments, and her rising rank is a reflection of both her personal development as a cricketer and India’s progress in women’s cricket.
Mandhana’s rise to third place has also highlighted her adaptability across formats. With a robust strike rate and sharp technical skills, she has been able to transition between the shorter and longer formats effortlessly. Her position in the T20 rankings also remains strong, where she is among the top five, underscoring her consistent excellence and versatility across formats.
Mandhana’s remarkable form not only boosts India’s batting order but also inspires younger players aspiring to reach similar heights. Her recent achievements add to her list of accolades, including surpassing the 7000-run milestone across all formats, making her one of the highest-scoring women cricketers for India. With more international fixtures lined up, she is on track to continue this momentum, aiming for the top two spots in the rankings.
As Mandhana eyes further success, her journey reflects the progress of women’s cricket on the world stage. Her recent performance serves as a benchmark for emerging players and emphasizes the evolving dynamics of women’s sports. With Mandhana in peak form, India’s prospects in upcoming series and ICC events look promising, solidifying her position as one of the leading figures in the sport.
In summary, Smriti Mandhana’s advance to third in the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings showcases her exceptional talent and underscores her role as a cornerstone of Indian women’s cricket. Her rise in the rankings not only signals personal achievement but also reflects the strength of the Indian women’s team on the international stage. With continued dedication, Mandhana may soon find herself competing for the top spot, a goal within reach given her current form and dedication to the game.