Indian opener Smriti Mandhana has gained one place in Women's ODI batter rankings to move to fifth place. Ahead of India's ODI series against New Zealand, Mandhana has 710 rating points, seven less than fourth-placed Amy Satterthwaite.
The list is topped by Alyssa Healy with 742 points followed by Indian ODI skipper Mithali Raj. The veteran Indian batter Mithali is just four points behind Australia wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa.
The left-handed opener was recently crowned as ICC Cricketer of the year. The southpaw will get the much-needed practice before the Women's World Cup 2022 in New Zealand as she plays in one-off T20I followed by five-ODI series. She will be a key player if India are to do one better in this edition of the tournament after finishing as runners-up in 2017.
In the bowler rankings, India's bowling spearhead Jhulan Goswami retained her second spot. Jhulan is the only Indian bowler in the top 10 with 727 rating points, 46 behind Australia's Jess Jonassen. On the other hand, she entered the top 10 of all-rounder rankings in the format. She is placed 10th, just behind West Indies Hayley Matthews. The veteran Indian pacer is just three points behind the Matthews.
The all-rounder list also features India's spin all-rounder Deepti Sharma at fourth position. The list is headed by Australia's Ellyse Perry who dethroned England's Natalie Sciver after consistent performances in the ongoing Ashes series. Perry produced a ‘player of the match performance’ taking three wickets for 12 runs followed by 40 off 64 deliveries in the run chase. She followed it up with bowling figures of 18/1 and unbeaten 31-run knock in the second ODI to help her side win Ashes.
India will start their World Cup campaign in a high-voltage against Pakistan on March 6 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. It will be followed by clashes against New Zealand, West Indies, England, Australia Bangladesh and South Africa on March 10, 12, 16, 19, 22 and 27 respectively.
Also, this World Cup is likely to be the last mega event for 39-year-old Mithali who has already retired from T20I format.
