Sadia Iqbal Reclaims Top Spot in T20I Rankings as Ecclestone’s Absence Impacts Standings

The International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled the updated Women’s T20I rankings, revealing Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal has once again ascended to the number one position among bowlers.

Iqbal, whose contributions were vital to Pakistan’s performance in the previous ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, improved her ranking by one place to secure the top spot.

Her resurgence to the summit of the rankings was influenced by England’s Sophie Ecclestone’s absence from the recent T20I series against the West Indies, leading to a reshuffling of the standings.

Ecclestone, previously holding the top position, has descended to fourth, thus enabling Iqbal to regain the position she briefly occupied during the prior year’s World Cup.

Meanwhile, England’s Lauren Bell has shown notable progress, leaping 13 places to secure sixth position overall after claiming seven wickets in the series.

Other English bowlers have also experienced upward movement, with Linsey Smith rising 37 places to 41st and Issy Wong climbing 32 places to joint-62nd.

Regarding batting performances, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews delivered an exceptional showing in England, amassing 177 runs at an impressive average of 88.50 across three matches.

These efforts resulted in her being awarded the Player of the Series title and a two-place rise to second in the T20I batting rankings. She now closely follows Australia’s Beth Mooney, who continues to be the top-ranked batter. Tahlia McGrath of Australia has slipped to third following Matthews’ notable ascent.

England batters also made considerable advancements. Nat Sciver-Brunt has moved up five places to ninth, Heather Knight has advanced seven spots to joint-17th, and Sophia Dunkley has climbed eight positions to joint-29th following her consistent batting contributions.

Matthews has further consolidated her dominance in the T20I all-rounder rankings.

In addition to her batting achievements, she also secured three wickets during the series, reinforcing her status as the leading all-rounder in the format.