ICC ODI Rankings: Mithali Raj Maintains Ninth Spot; Smriti Mandhana Drops One Slot To Seventh

India women’s ODI captain Mithali Raj, who was once a top-ranked batter, has cemented her ninth spot in the batting rankings. On the other hand, her teammate Smriti Mandhana dropped one position to seventh in the latest released rankings. The Indian women’s team resumed international cricket with the five-match ODI series against South Africa at home.

Mithali Raj did gain four points following her fighting half-century in the opening ODI against South Africa; however, she shared the ninth position with Australia’s Ellyse Perry. On the other hand, vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur surged one place to be on the 17th spot after her innings of 40 in the first ODI.

South Africa Fast bowler Shabnam Ismail’s match-winning haul of three for 28 in the first ODI against India lifted her two spots to the second spot, followed by the left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen of Australia. Furthermore, Ayabonga Khaka attained three places to be on the 10th slot in what arrived as yet another gain for a Proteas cricketer. Openers Laura Woolvaardt and Lizelle Lee – both of who reached sixth and eighth spot respectively earned dividends for their half-centuries.

Smriti Mandhana puts on a strong showing against South Africa in the second ODI:

Following scoring 40 in the first ODI against South Africa, Smriti Mandhana managed an unbeaten 80 off 64 deliveries, laced with ten fours and three sixes. Initially, Jhulan Goswami’s four-wicket haul in ten overs helped India dismiss South Africa for 157 only. Mandhana, who shared a 138-run stand with Punam Raut, scripted a comfortable nine-wicket win to level the series.

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