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Linsey Smith’s Rise to World No.1 (Image Internet)
New Delhi: England left-arm spinner Linsey Smith has achieved a career-defining milestone by rising to the No.1 position in the ICC Women’s T20I Bowling Rankings, completing an inspiring journey back to the top level of international cricket.
The 31-year-old has been rewarded for a string of outstanding performances against New Zealand and India, moving ahead of Pakistan spinner Sadia Iqbal to claim the top ranking for the first time in her career. Smith’s latest rise follows a standout Player of the Series display against New Zealand and another impactful performance in England’s victory over India in Bristol during the ongoing T20I series.
Smith’s achievement is particularly significant given her unconventional path to the summit. Having made her England debut in 2018, she spent almost five years away from international cricket before re-establishing herself in the national setup. Since becoming a regular fixture in England’s T20I side in late 2024, the spinner has consistently delivered match-winning performances.
Her recent success has pushed her to a new career-high rating and placed her at the top of a tightly contested bowling chart just days before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup begins on June 12.
England’s dominance in the rankings extends beyond Smith. Fast bowler Lauren Bell climbed one position to secure third place, while stand-in captain Charlie Dean gained two spots to move into fifth.
India’s rising star Shree Charani was among the biggest movers, jumping seven places to fourth after an impressive three-wicket haul against England. The rankings remain highly competitive, with only 39 rating points separating the top 10 bowlers.
Australia’s Georgia Voll retained her place as the world’s top-ranked T20I batter. India’s Jemimah Rodrigues moved four spots up to share 11th position, while Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast surged 10 places to equal 16th following her unbeaten 71 against the West Indies in Dublin.
Prendergast also improved to sixth in the T20I all-rounder rankings. Meanwhile, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty and Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali also recorded notable gains in the latest batting standings as teams finalize preparations for the upcoming global tournament.
