Is Deepti Sharma About to Become the Top-Ranked T20I Bowler?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Deepti Sharma is close to becoming the No. 1 T20I bowler.
- She recently moved to second place, overtaking Annabel Sutherland.
- Her performance against England has been pivotal.
- India's bowling unit is showing promise with players like Arundhati Reddy.
- Movements in the rankings reflect the competitive nature of women's cricket.
Dubai, July 8 (NationPress) India’s exceptional spinner Deepti Sharma is on the brink of achieving the No. 1 rank in T20I bowling after moving up to the second position, just eight rating points behind Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal, who currently leads the rankings.
The recent T20I rankings update has seen Deepti ascend a place, surpassing Australia’s pace bowler Annabel Sutherland to reclaim the second spot. This ascent is attributed to her remarkable performance in the ongoing five-match T20I series against England, where she delivered a game-changing three-wicket haul in the third match held at The Oval.
Despite being a consistent performer and having maintained her presence in the top 10 for over six years, the off-spinner has yet to claim the No.1 ranking – a milestone now tantalizingly close as the series approaches its final two matches.
The Indian bowling contingent had additional reasons to celebrate, as seamer Arundhati Reddy achieved a significant leap, rising 11 spots to jointly rank 43rd. Reddy also showcased her skills at The Oval, securing three wickets in a tightly contested match that England won by a mere five runs.
Conversely, England bowlers also made notable advancements. Pacers Issy Wong (up three spots to equal 57th) and Lauren Filer (up 21 places to 68th) were the most significant movers, while Lauren Bell maintained her fourth-place standing among bowlers.
Among batters, Australia’s Beth Mooney continues to hold the top ranking, while players from India and England made progress. Jemimah Rodrigues climbed to 12th place following her half-century in the second T20I at Bristol.
England openers Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Sophia Dunkley, who formed a 137-run partnership at The Oval, also advanced in the rankings—Wyatt-Hodge moved up three spots to 14th, and Dunkley jumped four to secure the 26th position.
There were also shifts in the all-rounders' category, with Sophie Ecclestone of England ascending three places to 8th after her career-best 35-run performance in Bristol.