Smriti Mandhana Moves to No. 2 in ICC Women’s ODI Rankings

Smriti Mandhana Climbs to No. 2 in ICC Women’s ODI Rankings After Tri-Series Heroics

A Triumphant Surge in Colombo

Smriti Mandhana is back where she belongs among the best in the world. After delivering a commanding century in the final of the Sri Lanka Women’s Tri-Nation Series, the Indian opener has climbed to second in the latest ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings. Her 116 off 101 balls in the summit clash not only helped India secure a 23-run win over hosts Sri Lanka but also launched her just 11 points behind the current No. 1, South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt.

Mandhana’s innings was a masterclass in tempo and timing. From threading gaps with precision to accelerating when the moment demanded it, she looked in complete control. This knock, paired with her consistent form across the series including a solid half-century against South Africa has taken her to 727 ranking points, a mark that reflects more than just statistics. It marks her statement of intent for the year ahead.

India’s Batting Stars Rise in Tandem

While Mandhana grabbed the spotlight, she wasn’t alone in shining brightly. Jemimah Rodrigues climbed five places to reach a career-best 15th position in the ODI batting rankings after an explosive 123 against South Africa during the group stage. Known for her elegance and timing, Rodrigues' knock showed she’s ready for more responsibility in the Indian middle order.

All-rounder Deepti Sharma also had a significant hand in India’s dominance during the tournament. Her 93-run innings against South Africa proved vital and earned her a massive 13-place leap to joint 32nd in the batting chart. As one of India’s most dependable multi-dimensional players, Deepti’s upward trend adds further weight to India’s evolving depth in women’s ODIs.

Bowling Breakthroughs: Sneh Rana Makes Her Move

The ICC rankings update didn’t just reward the batters. Sneh Rana, who quietly delivered match-turning spells throughout the tri-series, moved up four places to joint 34th in the ICC Women’s ODI Bowling Rankings a career-high for the off-spinner. Rana’s ability to control the flow of runs and break partnerships has made her a key asset in India’s white-ball setup. With the Women’s World Cup inching closer, her progress is a huge plus for India’s bowling plans.

Rivals Step Up: Tryon, Athapaththu & Gunaratne on the Rise

Mandhana’s rise came in a tri-series that brought out the best in some of her fiercest competitors too. Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu, a known force in global women’s cricket, climbed two places to joint seventh after a solid all-round tournament. Her teammate Vishmi Gunaratne surged eight slots to 63rd, showing signs of becoming a long-term batting mainstay for Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Anushka Sanjeewani made the biggest leap among Sri Lankan players, vaulting 19 places to 75th in the batting rankings.

From the South African camp, Chloe Tryon’s consistent hitting made a significant impact. Her scores of 67 and 74 earned her a rise of nine spots to 18th in the batting list. But it wasn’t just her batting. Tryon also took a hat-trick against Sri Lanka, catapulting her up 14 positions to 50th in the bowling rankings and moving to 11th among all-rounders. That kind of dual contribution reinforces her status as one of the most dynamic players in the women’s game right now.

New Names in the Mix

The rankings shake-up also spotlighted South Africa’s rising players. Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, and Nadine de Klerk all made notable gains across batting, bowling, and all-rounder categories. Dercksen’s 19-slot leap in the all-rounder rankings to 44th and De Klerk’s steady rise to 12th among all-rounders show that South Africa’s future is in good hands even as Wolvaardt holds on to the top spot for now.

Mandhana’s Eyes on the Summit Again

For Smriti Mandhana, this rise isn’t unfamiliar territory. She previously held the No. 1 spot in 2019 and has consistently been a force in world cricket. Her performances in 2025 have been characterized by consistency, leadership, and a refined approach that balances elegance with intent.

As India heads into a crucial phase of its ODI journey, including preparations for the Women’s World Cup and upcoming tours, Mandhana’s rise is more than just a personal milestone it’s a symbol of India’s upward trajectory. With Wolvaardt just 11 points ahead, the race for the No. 1 spot is very much alive. And if Mandhana’s current form continues, it might just be a matter of one more match-winning innings before she reclaims her throne.