Wolvaardt and Ismail gain big in latest ICC Women’s Rankings

South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt and Shabnim Ismail have risen in the latest ICC Women’s rankings following their impressive performances in the recent Women’s T20 World Cup.

Wolvaardt, who emerged with the most runs scored in the competition, is now ranked No. 6. Meanwhile Ismail, whose crucial effort helped South Africa reach the semi-final, is now ranked No. 7 amongst bowlers.

South Africa created history as they became the first national side to participate in a senior cricket World Cup final. Wolvaardt and Ismail acted as the team’s leaders, stepping into the challenge in crucial times of the competition.

Laura Wolvaardt climbed eight places in the rankings due to half-centuries she scored in the final and a decisive match against Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Ismail made the top 10 list of bowlers due to her strong bowling performance in the semi-final.

Australia, who won the Women’s T20 World Cup for the third consecutive time, also saw gains among their players. Australia Women totalled 156 runs in their innings and set a competitive target for South Africa. However, the hosts failed to get into a momentous position starting with an under-average powerplay score. South Africa lost the final by 19 runs After scoring 110 runs and collecting 10 wickets throughout the competition, all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner established her place as the top-ranked all-rounder.

Darcie Brown also jumped five spots to No. 3 on the bowlers’ rankings after grabbing seven wickets at a 5.0% economy rate.

The Women’s T20I bowlers’ rankings continue to be topped by England’s Sophie Ecclestone, who ended with 11 wickets in the tournament and is only the second player in history to reach 800 rating points.

Megan Schutt, an Australian fast bowler who excelled in 2019 with 805 rating points, is the only other player to achieve this milestone. From current rating points, Ecclestone has 801 rating points.

Australia, South Africa, England, India, New Zealand, and the West Indies have all been awarded direct qualification for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, it was announced at the same time as the ICC rankings update.

ICC Women’s Team Rankings in T20I:

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