Indian skipper Mithali Raj has slipped one place in the new International Cricket Council (ICC) Women ODI batters rankings released on April 5. Mithali is now ranked seventh on the list with 686 rating points to her name.
On the other hand, Indian opener Smriti Mandhana has gained one spot in the batters rankings and moved up to ninth position. The left-handed batter scored 71 in India’s clash against South Africa in their last league match. The stylish opener scored most runs for India in the tournament. With 237 runs from seven games at an average of 46.71, she now has 669 rating points.
The rankings have been updated after the Women's World Cup final clash between Australia and England on April 3.
India’s ODI vice-captain advanced in the rankings as well. After finishing as India’s second-highest run-scorer at the mega event, she is now placed 14th in the batters rankings.
Australia's wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy got rewarded for her record-breaking 170 in the final. She is now the first-ranked player in the world. She dethroned South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt from the top. With 509 runs against her name, Alyssa finished as the top run-scorer in the tournament. She hit two centuries and as many half-centuries in New Zealand.
England's Natalie Sciver ended up on the losing side despite her valiant 148 not out in the final. The unbeaten century was not enough to chase down a daunting total in Christchurch but helped her climb to the second spot behind Alyssa. The 29-year-old was impressive with the ball as well. Her bowling performance in the tournament helped her dethrone Australia’s Ellyse Perry from the top of all-rounder rankings.
England's left-arm spinner was sensational in the tournament with 21 wickets to her name. Sophie remained on the top followed by South African pacer Shabnim Ismail. However, the biggest jump was made by Anya Shrubsole in the bowling rankings. Veteran pacer Anya jumped five places to enter top 10 in bowler rankings. India's Jhulan Goswami, who did not play in the last league game against South Africa, remained at the fifth position.
