Did Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol Just Rewrite ICC Women's Rankings?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pratika Rawal achieved a career-high ranking of 47th after her impressive performances.
- Harleen Deol climbed to 49th place, showcasing her potential in the ODI format.
- India's victory over Sri Lanka sets a promising tone for their tri-series campaign.
- Rawal's record-breaking milestone of 500 runs in Women’s ODIs highlights her growing prowess.
- Positive performances from Sri Lanka indicate a competitive spirit in women's cricket.
Dubai, April 29 (NationPress) India's remarkable nine-wicket triumph over Sri Lanka in the inaugural match of the ongoing tri-series in Colombo has not only set the stage for their campaign but has also elevated two of their talented young batters, Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol, to new career milestones in the latest ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings.
Pratika Rawal, the 24-year-old opener enjoying a stellar run, led the charge with a composed unbeaten 50 off 62 balls. Her performance, which played a crucial role in India effortlessly chasing down Sri Lanka’s modest total, earned her the Player of the Match accolade and a remarkable 10-place surge in the ICC ODI batting rankings. She now stands at a career-high 47th, solidifying her reputation as one of India’s most reliable top-order batters.
Rawal continued her exceptional form in Indian colors with another impressive display, scoring 78 off 91 balls against South Africa on Tuesday. This innings marked her fifth consecutive half-century in Women's ODIs.
In this journey, the 24-year-old made history by becoming the fastest batter to achieve 500 runs in Women’s ODIs.
Harleen Deol also made her mark with a steady, unbeaten 48 that complemented Rawal in India’s commanding chase. The 26-year-old advanced four positions to 49th on the same batting chart, attaining her best-ever ranking in ODIs.
While India showcased their dominance during the game, Sri Lanka had some silver linings as well. Opener Hasini Perera climbed five spots to reach 72nd in the batting rankings after her determined 30-run effort at the top of the order.
Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera, who claimed the only Indian wicket to fall—Smriti Mandhana—was rewarded with a two-position rise to 25th in the ODI bowling rankings for her economical 1/32 spell.
India’s Sneh Rana also made a significant return to the rankings. Playing her first ODI in nearly 18 months, the seasoned off-spinner captured three wickets against Sri Lanka and re-entered the bowling charts at 57th.
Meanwhile, England’s Sophie Ecclestone remains at the pinnacle for ODI bowlers.