ISLAMABAD: Australian seamstress Annabel Sutherland has clinched the No. 1 spot in the ICC women’s T20I bowling rankings after a five months hiatus from international play, toppling Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal.
At just 23 years old, Sutherland’s remarkable rise through the ranks is a testament to her burgeoning talent.
Though she hasn’t graced the pitch since March — where she dazzled with figures of 4-35 against New Zealand — her steadfast rating of 736 points helped her leapfrog Iqbal, who faltered during Pakistan’s challenging 2-1 series defeat to Ireland.
Sutherland, who made her T20I debut in 2020, has made significant strides in recent months, tallying 40 wickets across 45 matches.
Her perseverance and skill have finally paid off, marking a new chapter in her blossoming career.
Meanwhile, Iqbal, who managed a meager three wickets in her three outings against Ireland, has tumbled to a shared second place alongside India’s Deepti Sharma.
Rounding off the top five are England’s Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell, while Charlie Dean and Georgia Wareham secure a joint-sixth.
In a parallel narrative, Ireland’s Orla Prendergast has emerged as a shining star in the recent Ireland-Pakistan series, claiming the Player of the Series title with her breathtaking blend of batting and bowling prowess.
The 23-year-old was not only the leading run-scorer with a commendable 144 runs at an impressive average of 72 but also demonstrated her versatility by taking four wickets, including a game-shifting 3-28 in the first T20I, stifling Pakistan’s chase for victory.
Prendergast’s stellar performance has propelled her into the top 20 for the first time, soaring to a career-high 19th among T20I batters and solidifying her position as the sixth best all-rounder.
With cumulative T20I runs of 1,446 at an average of 28.35 and 50 wickets at an impressive average of 18.88, Prendergast is a player to watch in the future.
