16-Year Old Shafali Verma Grabs No.1 Spot In T20I Rankings

Riding on her stunning performances in the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia, India youngster Shafali Verma has moved to the top of the ICC T20I Rankings. The 16-year old jumped an incredible 19 places to be the No.1 ranked batter in the world in T20Is.

Shafali Verma has played a crucial role in India’s stunning march to the semifinal of the tournament. India are the only team in the competition so far to have won all of their four group games. Shafali has been integral to India’s dominating performances in the competition.

The teenager has dethroned Suzie Bates from the top spot. The New Zealand batter was ranked No. 1 since October 2018. Shafali Verma became only the second Indian after the legendary Mithali Raj to top the T20I rankings.

She has hit 29 off 15 against Australia, 39 off 17 against Bangladesh, 46 off 34 against New Zealand, and 47 off 34 against Sri Lanka. As of now, the right-hander is the third highest run-getter in the tournament ahead of the knockouts, and has by far the highest strike rate of any batter (minimum 10 runs).

In the bowlers’ rankings, Sophie Ecclestone has jumped to the top of the list after gaining two spots through her consistent showing in the tournament so far. The England star is the second-highest wicket-taker so far, with eight wickets in four matches. But more than her wickets, her average of 6.12 and economy rate of 3.23  has made her the pick of the bowlers in the tournament.

Ecclestone is the first England bowler to be No. 1 since Anya Shrubsole in April 2016, and the first England spinner at the top since Danielle Hazell in August 2015. Along with India, England have also moved to the semifinal. South Africa and Australia are the other teams in the last four.

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