India’s batting sensation Smriti Mandhana continues to dominate the cricket world. The opener has further cemented her position at the top of the ICC Women’s ODI Batter Rankings, after a string of stellar performances at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. So, let’s take a look at Smriti Mandhana extends the lead as No. 1 ODI Batter 2025.
Mandhana’s World Cup brilliance
Mandhana scored a consecutive half-century in the World Cup, including a brilliant 88-run defeat to England in Indore that handed India a narrow defeat. Her consistent performances have boosted her rating lead to 83 points over second-placed Nat Sciver-Brunt, who was also in good form with 191 runs in the tournament.
The left-handed opener’s form has been nothing short of exceptional this year. She was also named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for September 2025, following her excellent series against Australia just before the World Cup.
Shake-up in the global rankings
Besides Mandhana’s rise, there have been other moves in the latest ICC ODI rankings.
Alyssa Healey climbed one spot to third after scoring back-to-back centuries.
Compensation British from South Africa entered the top 10 for the first time and moved up to ninth place.
Harmanpreet Kaur rose three places to 15th after consistent performances for India.
Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield climbed to 17th, and England’s Heather Knight rose 15 places to 18th.
In the bowlers’ rankings, Sophie Ecclestone continues her dominance at No. 1, while India’s Deepti Sharma climbed three places to third after claiming 13 wickets in five matches.
Smriti Mandhana equals Ellyse Perry’s record
Her consistency in 2025 has made Smriti Mandhana one of the legends of the game. Her 88 against England marked her ninth score of over 50 in one calendar year, equaling the records of Ellyse Perry (2016) and Laura Wolvaardt (2022).
The all-time record for most 50-plus scores in the Women’s ODIs within a year still belongs to Mithali Raj, who made 10 in 2017.
Most 50-plus scores in WODIs (calendar year):
10 – Mithali Raj (2017)
9 – Ellyse Perry (2016)
9 – Laura Wolvaardt (2022)
9 – Smriti Mandhana (2025)
A golden opportunity for a historic achievement
Mandhana’s year started with a 73 against Ireland in Rajkot and continued with huge knocks of 135, 116 and 125 in crucial matches. With two matches left in India’s World Cup season – against New Zealand and Bangladesh – the left-hander is on the verge of breaking Mithali Raj’s record.
If she scores another fifty, Smriti Mandhana will hold the record for most 50-plus scores in a calendar year in the Women’s ODIs.
India’s qualification scenario
Despite Mandhana’s brilliance, India’s World Cup adventure has entered turbulence. After losses to South Africa, Australia and England, India now faces a must-win situation. With only one place in the semi-finals up for grabs, wins in the last two group matches are crucial.
As the team looks to recover, all eyes will once again be on Smriti Mandhana, whose form and leadership at the top of the order remain India’s best hope of qualification.
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