Chamari Athapaththu Reclaims Top Spot in Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu has reclaimed top spot in the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings following a record-breaking performance in the third ODI match against South Africa. Athapaththu’s unbeaten 195 played a crucial role in Sri Lanka leveling the ICC Women’s Championship Series 1-1. It was Athapaththu’s ninth ODI century and the highest individual score in a successful chase in Women’s ODIs. Her exceptional batting display propelled her back to the top of the rankings, surpassing England’s Natalie Sciver-Brunt, who had previously held the top position. Athapaththu had previously reached the number one ranking from July 3 to 12, 2023, before being overtaken by Beth Mooney and then Sciver-Brunt. Notably, she became the first Sri Lankan to top the Women’s ODI batting charts last year. Another former top-ranked batter, Laura Wolvaardt of South Africa, also ascended in the rankings, moving up two places to the third position. Wolvaardt’s contribution of an unbeaten 184 in the third ODI helped South Africa post an impressive total of 301 for five. West Indies captain Hayley Mathews joined the ranks of captain-openers who made upward moves in the rankings. Her all-round performance in the first match of the ICC Women’s Championship series against Pakistan in Karachi saw her score an unbeaten 140 and take three wickets for 17. As a result, she jumped seven places to 11th position among batters and climbed to second in the all-rounders’ list. Other notable gainers in the batting rankings include Stafanie Taylor of the West Indies (up two places to 18th), Bismah Maroof of Pakistan (up one place to 27th), Nilakshi de Silva of Sri Lanka, and the West Indies duo of Shemaine Campbell and Chinelle Henry. Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal also made strides in the rankings, advancing from 23rd to 17th position after claiming three wickets in the first two matches against the West Indies. Several bowlers also improved their rankings, including Connell (up three places to 25th), Henry (up six places to 36th), Kavisha Dilhari of Sri Lanka (up seven places to 48th), and Umm-e-Hani of Pakistan (up nine places to 60th).