Indian batting star Smriti Mandhana has reclaimed the No.1 spot in the ICC ODI rankings for women batters, announced on Tuesday, after a scintillating 58 off 63 balls against Australia in the first of a three-match series in Mullanpur. Despite India’s loss, Mandhana’s half-century earned her seven rating points, pushing her to 735 points, four ahead of England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt, who slipped to second with 731 points.

This marks Mandhana’s second stint at the top in 2025, having first held the No.1 ranking in 2019. The achievement comes at a crucial time, boosting her momentum ahead of the Women’s Cricket World Cup, starting September 30.

Other Indian players also made gains. Opener Pratika Rawal climbed four spots to 42nd after scoring 64, while Harleen Deol’s 54 propelled her to 43rd. For Australia, Beth Mooney’s unbeaten 77 lifted her three places to fifth, and half-centuries from Annabel Sutherland and Phoebe Litchfield saw them share 25th place.

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On the bowling front, Australia’s Kim Garth and Alana King rose to fourth and fifth, respectively, in the ODI bowling rankings, while India’s Sneh Rana jumped five spots to 13th after taking a wicket. England’s Sophie Ecclestone remains the top-ranked bowler.

Mandhana’s return to the pinnacle underscores her consistency and sets the stage for a strong World Cup campaign, as India prepares for the next ODI against Australia.

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