ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal has reclaimed the top position in the ICC Women’s T20 International (T20I) bowling rankings, according to the latest update released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday.
Sadia, who was instrumental in Pakistan’s unbeaten campaign during the recently concluded ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Lahore, rose one spot to displace England’s Sophie Ecclestone from the top.
She had previously reached the No. 1 ranking during last year’s T20 World Cup, becoming the first Pakistani woman to achieve the feat.
Sadia’s recent performances, particularly in the World Cup Qualifiers where she claimed nine wickets at an average of 16, were key to her resurgence.
Her economy rate, under four runs per over, mirrored that of her spin partner Nashra Sandhu, as the duo consistently choked opposition batters in the middle overs.
“[Sadia] was one of the leading performers at last year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and rises one spot on the rankings for T20I bowlers to claim top billing,” the ICC said in a statement.
England’s premier spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who missed her side’s recent T20I series against the West Indies, slipped to fourth in the latest rankings. Her absence opened the door for Sadia Iqbal to regain her position at the top.
Ecclestone’s teammate Lauren Bell made a strong impression in the series, claiming seven wickets and climbing 13 places to reach sixth overall.
Other England bowlers also showed upward movement, with Linsey Smith jumping 37 spots to 41st and Issy Wong rising 32 places to joint 62nd.
On the batting front, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews emerged as the standout performer.
She scored 177 runs at an average of 88.50 during the series against England, earning her the Player of the Series award and a two-spot rise to second in the T20I batting rankings.
Australia’s Beth Mooney remains the top-ranked batter, while her compatriot Tahlia McGrath dropped to third following Matthews’ surge.
Among the English batters, Nat Sciver-Brunt advanced five positions to ninth, Heather Knight moved up seven places to joint-17th, and Sophia Dunkley climbed eight places to joint-29th.
Matthews also strengthened her position as the No. 1 all-rounder in the format. In addition to her stellar batting, she claimed three wickets during the series, consolidating her lead in the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings.
