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The ICC Women’s ODI player rankings have seen significant changes in the first week of December 2024, with notable performances reshaping the leaderboard. This update highlights the competitive nature of women’s cricket, showcasing the talent and determination of players from various nations.
Laura Wolvaardt returns to the top spot in Women’s ODI batter rankings
Laura Wolvaardt, the captain of South Africa, has regained her position as the No. 1 ranked ODI batter. Her rise to the top comes after impressive performances in her team’s series against England, where she scored 59 not out and 35 in the first two matches. Wolvaardt had previously reached this pinnacle during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand in 2022 and has consistently performed well since then, maintaining her status within the top 10 batters globally.
In this latest update, Wolvaardt’s ascent pushes England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt down to third place after she struggled with scores of zero and 20 in her recent outings against South Africa. This shift underscores how quickly fortunes can change in cricket, particularly in a format as unpredictable as ODIs.
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Australian batters making waves
Australia women’s cricket team is also making headlines with several players climbing up the rankings following a strong start to their home series against India. Ellyse Perry has moved up two spots to fourth place after scoring a century in Brisbane, while India’s star batter Smriti Mandhana slips to fifth. Other Australian players showing remarkable improvement include Phoebe Litchfield, who jumped 13 places to 25th, and Tahlia McGrath, who rose five spots to 32nd. Additionally, Georgia Voll made an impressive entry into the rankings at 84th after a stellar beginning to her international career.
Australia also dominate the list of bowling rankings
The bowling rankings also reflect Australia’s dominance in women’s cricket. Veteran seamer Megan Schutt has climbed two places to second overall, now trailing only England’s Sophie Ecclestone. Schutt’s rise is attributed to her exceptional performance, taking six wickets across two matches against India. Other Australian bowlers making significant strides include Kim Garth and Annabel Sutherland, who moved up 7 and 23 spots respectively.
South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp also made her mark by gaining three positions to sixth overall after claiming four wickets against England. Kapp continues to lead the all-rounder rankings, showcasing her versatility and importance to her team.
