Star England spinner Linsey Smith has surprised everyone with her remarkable performances in international cricket by securing the top spot in the ICC Women' T20I Bowling Rankings for the first time in her career.
The left-arm spinner has climbed to the top of the rankings after a string of standout performances against New Zealand and India. The rise sees her move up one spot, surpassing Pakistan's Sadia Iqbal to become the new World No.1.
Notably, the 31-year-old spinner made international debut in 2018 but spent almost five years away from the England setup before securing her place in the T20I side towards the end of 2024 season. Her rise marks a significant comeback following a long journey back to the international circuit.
Also Read: WATCH: Days after winning IPL 2026, Virat Kohli seeks blessings from Premanand Maharaj
Also Read: Former England skipper Andrew Flintoff lands first overseas coaching role with Sydney Thunder in BBL
A Player of the Series performance against New Zealand, doubled with another impressive outing against India in the second T20I, has led Smith to reach a career-best rating. The surge has helped her to claim the No.1 spot in the rankings just days before the start of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup.
Smith's rise has been coincided by gains for her England teammates as well. Lauren Bell climbed one place to third place in the latest rankings, while stand-in skipper Charlie Dean jumped two spots to fifth after her recent performances.
Big jump for India's Shree Charani
India's Shree Charani was one of the biggest developments in the latest rankings, jumping seven places to fourth after her stunning three-wicket spell against England. The race among the world's leading T20I bowlers stays competitive, with only 39 points separating the top 10 ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, which starts on June 12.
On the other hand, Australia's Georgia Voll has reclaimed her position at the summit of T20I batting rankings. However, there have been a few changes outside the Top 10 with several players making significant jumps after strong recent performances.
Jemimah Rodrigues' big jump
India batter Jemimah Rodrigues has jumped four places to joint 11th in the latest T20I batting rankings, while Ireland's Orla Prendergast surged 10 spots to share 16th place following her unbeaten 71-run knock against West Indies in Dublin.
Prendergast has also made significant progress in the T20I all-rounder's list, climbing one place to sixth. Meanwhile, Nigar Sultana Joty jumped four spots to 20th among batters, while Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali gained two places to move into a tie for 32nd in the updated rankings.