Smriti Mandhana Regains Top ODI Ranking After Solid Half-Century Against Australia

Smriti Mandhana has regained her No.1 ODI ranking after a resilient half-century in the series opener against Australia on Sunday, September 14, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. She had initially replaced newly appointed England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt in July.

Mandhana first rose to the top of the rankings in June but was briefly displaced by Sciver-Brunt, who ended the India series as the leading run-scorer with 160 runs at an average of 53.33. Reclaiming the top spot is sure to boost Mandhana’s confidence ahead of the Women’s World Cup.

In the first ODI, Mandhana scored 58 runs off 63 balls, including six fours and two sixes, before being run out by Phoebe Litchfield. She also put together a vital 114-run opening partnership with Pratika Rawal, helping India post 281 for seven.

However, her efforts weren’t enough as Australia chased down the target with eight wickets in hand, finishing 35 balls early. Mandhana remains the leading ODI run-scorer this year, amassing 686 runs in 12 matches, including two centuries and three fifties.

Pratika, Harleen rise in rankings

India’s Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol made significant gains in the batting rankings, rising four and five spots to 42nd and 43rd, respectively.

Australia’s Beth Mooney also moved up three places to fifth overall following her unbeaten 77 on Sunday, while teammates Annabel Sutherland and Phoebe Litchfield climbed four and thirteen spots, now sharing 25th place after their impressive half-centuries in the same match.

In the bowling rankings, India’s Sneh Rana jumped five places to 13th overall. England’s Sophie Ecclestone retained her No.1 spot despite not playing any matches last week, underscoring her continued dominance in the discipline.

In the all-rounder standings, Australia’s Ash Gardner remains at the top, cementing her reputation as one of the game’s most consistent and impactful performers.

Meanwhile, India will aim to bounce back and level the series when the second ODI takes place on September 17 in Mullanpur.