Did Annabel Sutherland Just Take the Top Spot from Deepti Sharma in T20I Bowling Rankings?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Annabel Sutherland regains the top T20I bowling rank.
- Deepti Sharma drops to second, tied on ratings.
- Harmanpreet Kaur climbs to 13th in batting rankings.
- India secures a dominant 5-0 series whitewash.
- Significant ranking movements among players from both teams.
Dubai, Jan 6 (NationPress) Annabel Sutherland has become the leading figure in the latest ICC Women’s Rankings update, regaining the coveted No.1 position in the T20I bowling rankings after India clinched a 15-run victory against Sri Lanka in the fifth and final T20I.
The Australian bowler ascended to the top spot as Deepti Sharma of India fell one position, with both athletes now sharing a rating of 736, the same score Sutherland achieved when she first claimed the No.1 ranking in August 2025.
Sutherland, known for her prowess as a fast-bowling all-rounder, had reached the pinnacle of the rankings in August 2025 after Sadia Iqbal from Pakistan dropped in the standings. Despite recording figures of 1/28, Deepti couldn't maintain her lead and now ranks second, trailing Sutherland by just one rating point. Nevertheless, her performance solidified her position as third in the ICC Women’s T20I All-Rounder Rankings with 382 points.
The captain of India, Harmanpreet Kaur, also made significant strides, climbing two places to 13th in the ICC Women’s T20I Batting Rankings. Her rise was fueled by a match-winning score of 68 runs off 43 balls in the concluding T20I held at Thiruvananthapuram, earning her the Player of the Match title and bringing her closer to the top 10.
India's dominant 5–0 series whitewash resulted in additional ranking improvements. Amanjot Kaur leaped seven spots to joint 78th, while Sri Lankan batters Hasini Perera and Imesha Dulani made notable advances after half-centuries. Perera soared 31 positions to 40th with her 65 runs off 42 balls, while Dulani ascended 77 places to 84th after scoring 50 runs off 39 balls, featuring eight fours. The duo stabilized Sri Lanka’s innings following the early exit of Chamari Athapaththu.
In the bowling rankings, India’s left-arm spinner Shree Charani surged five places to 47th, while Sri Lanka’s Kavisha Dilhari moved up one spot to 32nd, and Chamari Athapaththu climbed three positions to 48th.
Additionally, India’s Arundhati Reddy showcased her skills with a quick-fire 27 not out off 11 balls and took a wicket, resulting in a remarkable jump of 21 places to 44th in the bowling rankings.