Smriti Mandhana Retains Top Spot in ICC Women's ODI Batting Rankings Despite World Cup Struggles

India's star opener Smriti Mandhana continues to hold the number one position in the ICC Women's ODI batting rankings, though her commanding lead has narrowed following two disappointing performances in the ongoing Women's Cricket World Cup 2025. The 29-year-old left-hander maintains 791 rating points, keeping her 60 points ahead of England's Nat Sciver-Brunt in second place.

World Cup Struggles After Pre-Tournament Brilliance

Mandhana entered the World Cup in red-hot form, having smashed consecutive centuries against Australia in the three-match ODI series just before the tournament. Those stunning performances reinforced her status as the world's premier women's ODI batter. However, the World Cup has proven challenging so far, with scores of just 8 against Sri Lanka and 23 versus Pakistan in India's opening matches.

Despite these underwhelming returns, her consistent performances over the past year have provided enough cushion to maintain the top ranking, highlighting the dominance she's established in the format.

Rising Challengers Close the Gap

Several players have made significant gains during the World Cup, narrowing the gap on Mandhana. South Africa's Tazmin Brits rose two places to fourth with 706 rating points following her century against New Zealand, achieving a career-high ranking. Australia's explosive all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner made even bigger strides, jumping seven spots to fifth place (697 points) after her match-winning hundred, also reaching a new career best.

Australia's Beth Mooney sits comfortably in third with 713 rating points, while New Zealand captain Sophie Devine leaped seven places to eighth following strong performances. Pakistan's Sidra Amin also reached a career-high ranking of 10th after her impressive 81 against India in Colombo.

Bowling Rankings: Ecclestone Leads, Deepti Lone Indian

England's Sophie Ecclestone continues to dominate the bowling charts with 792 rating points. India's spinner Deepti Sharma is the only Indian in the top-10 bowlers, sitting at sixth position with 640 points, though she dropped one spot from the previous rankings.

The Road Ahead

With crucial matches against South Africa, Australia, and England still to come in the World Cup, Mandhana has ample opportunities to extend her lead and silence doubts about her current form. Her track record against top opposition suggests she's capable of producing match-winning performances when it matters most.

No other Indian batter features in the top 15 rankings, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur dropping two places, underscoring the heavy responsibility on Mandhana's shoulders to deliver at the top of the order for India's World Cup campaign.