Pakistan spinner Sadia Iqbal has returned to the No.1 position in the ICC Women’s T20I bowling rankings, according to the latest update by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday.
Iqbal moved up one place to reclaim the top ranking, which she held briefly during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup last year. Her rise comes after England’s top spinner Sophie Ecclestone missed the recent T20I series against the West Indies. Because of her absence, Ecclestone dropped to fourth place, and Iqbal moved to the top.
England’s fast bowler Lauren Bell made a big jump in the rankings. After taking seven wickets in the series, she moved up 13 places and is now ranked sixth.
Other English bowlers also improved their positions. Linsey Smith went up 37 places to reach 41st, and Issy Wong climbed 32 spots to joint-62nd.
In batting, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews was in great form. She scored 177 runs at an average of 88.50 across three matches in the England series and was named Player of the Series and moved up two places to become the second-best batter in T20Is. She is now just behind Australia’s Beth Mooney, who remains in first place.
Australia’s Tahlia McGrath moved down to third place because of Matthews’ strong performance.
England batters also made progress. Nat Sciver-Brunt moved up five places to 9th, Heather Knight went up seven places to joint-17th, and Sophia Dunkley climbed eight places to joint-29th.
Hayley Matthews also strengthened her position as the No.1 all-rounder in T20Is. Along with her batting, she also took three wickets in the series.
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