Smriti Mandhana Extends Lead As No. 1 ODI Batter 2025

India’s batting sensation Smriti Mandhana continues to dominate the cricketing world. The opener has further strengthened her position at the top of the ICC Women’s ODI Batter Rankings, following a series of stellar performances at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. So let’s look at Smriti Mandhana Extends Lead As No. 1 ODI Batter 2025.

Mandhana’s World Cup Brilliance

Mandhana notched up consecutive half-centuries during the World Cup, including a brilliant 88-run knock against England in Indore, which came in a narrow defeat for India. Her consistent performances have taken her rating lead to 83 points over second-placed Nat Sciver-Brunt, who has also been in fine form with 191 runs in the tournament.

The left-handed opener’s form has been nothing short of exceptional this year. She was also named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for September 2025, following her outstanding series against Australia just before the World Cup.

Global Rankings Shake-Up

Alongside Mandhana’s rise, there have been other movements in the latest ICC ODI Rankings.

  • Alyssa Healy climbed one spot to equal third after scoring back-to-back centuries.

  • Tazmin Brits of South Africa entered the top 10 for the first time, moving to ninth.

  • Harmanpreet Kaur jumped three spots to 15th after consistent performances for India.

  • Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield rose to 17th, and England’s Heather Knight surged 15 places to 18th.

In the bowlers’ rankings, Sophie Ecclestone continues her dominance at No. 1, while India’s Deepti Sharma climbed three places to third after claiming 13 wickets in five matches.

Smriti Mandhana Equals Ellyse Perry’s Record

Smriti Mandhana’s consistency in 2025 has placed her among the legends of the game. Her 88 against England marked her ninth 50-plus score in a single calendar year, equaling the records of Ellyse Perry (2016) and Laura Wolvaardt (2022).

The all-time record for most 50-plus scores in Women’s ODIs within a year still belongs to Mithali Raj, who achieved 10 in 2017.

Most 50-plus scores in WODIs (calendar year):

  • 10 – Mithali Raj (2017)

  • 9 – Ellyse Perry (2016)

  • 9 – Laura Wolvaardt (2022)

  • 9 – Smriti Mandhana (2025)

A Golden Chance for a Historic Feat

Mandhana’s year began with a 73 against Ireland in Rajkot and continued with massive knocks of 135, 116, and 125 in crucial fixtures. With two more matches remaining in India’s World Cup campaign—against New Zealand and Bangladesh—the left-hander stands on the brink of breaking Mithali Raj’s record.

If she scores another fifty, Smriti Mandhana will hold the record for most 50-plus scores in a calendar year in Women’s ODIs.

India’s Qualification Scenario

Despite Mandhana’s brilliance, India’s World Cup journey has hit turbulence. After losses to South Africa, Australia, and England, India now faces a must-win situation. With only one semi-final spot up for grabs, victories in their final two group matches are crucial.

As the team looks to bounce back, all eyes will once again be on Smriti Mandhana, whose form and leadership at the top of the order remain India’s best hope for qualification.

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