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The recent white-ball series between Ireland and Sri Lanka has had a significant impact on the latest ICC Women’s Player Rankings, with several standout performers making impressive gains. Ireland, who clinched the ODI leg 2-1, saw a host of their players rewarded for their exceptional displays. Leading the charge for Ireland were Orla Prendergast, Leah Paul, Amy Hunter, and Arlene Kelly, all of whom made considerable strides in the rankings after their notable contributions with both bat and ball.
Ireland stars soar in ICC Rankings
One of the biggest movers was Prendergast, whose magnificent unbeaten century in the opening ODI propelled her nine places up the rankings, landing her at 28th in the latest ICC Women’s ODI Batters list. Prendergast’s commanding performance was a testament to her growing stature in international cricket and reinforced her as a key player for Ireland.
Paul also made a significant leap, moving up four places to 29th in the rankings. Paul’s Player of the Match performance in the second ODI, where she made vital contributions with the bat, showcased her importance to Ireland’s lineup. Hunter, another rising star for Ireland, gained 10 spots to move into a tie for 34th place on the ODI batters list after her consistent performances throughout the series.
Sri Lanka players also made their mark on the rankings, with Nilakshika Silva climbing three spots to 32nd, and Kavisha Dilhari rising four places to 50th. Vishmi Gunaratne saw the most significant jump for Sri Lanka, surging 22 spots to reach 53rd in the latest ODI batters list.
Bowlers and all-rounders shine
Ireland’s Arlene Kelly was another big mover on the rankings for ODI bowlers, climbing three places to 27th following her three-wicket haul in the second game of the series. Kelly’s performances were instrumental in keeping the Sri Lankan batters in check, and her ranking jump reflects her impact.
Sri Lanka’s Dilhari also impressed in the bowling department, improving five places to share the 30th spot in the ODI bowlers list. Furthermore, Dilhari’s all-around contributions did not go unnoticed as she climbed six spots to 17th in the ODI all-rounders rankings. Her consistent performances with both bat and ball make her a crucial player for Sri Lanka moving forward.
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Nat Sciver-Brunt remains at top
England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt continues to hold her position at the pinnacle of the ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings. Her consistent performances with both bat and ball have kept her firmly at the top of the rankings, showcasing her dominance in the 50-over format. Sciver-Brunt’s ability to deliver under pressure, combined with her exceptional skills in all facets of the game, has solidified her reputation as one of the most influential players in women’s cricket.
T20I Rankings see significant shifts
The T20I series between the two nations, which ended in a 1-1 tie, also brought about notable changes in the ICC rankings. Sri Lanka’s Harshitha Samarawickrama, who scored back-to-back half-centuries, made her way up three spots to share 13th place on the latest T20I batters list. Samarawickrama’s ability to score runs consistently at the top of the order has been a vital asset for Sri Lanka in the shorter format.
For Ireland, opener Gaby Lewis made a big leap, moving up four places to 21st in the T20I batters rankings after her stunning century in the second match. Lewis’s ability to dominate the opposition bowling in the shortest format has made her a key player for Ireland, and her rise in the rankings reflects her growing influence in international cricket.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
