T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet Kaur Remains India’s Key Leader As India prepares to compete in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, captain Harmanpreet Kaur continues to anchor the team’s strategy and performance. At 37, the veteran batter and leader is poised to play a pivotal role in the tournament, which will be held in England and Wales. Despite speculation about her potential retirement after the 2028 edition, Harmanpreet has dismissed such notions, emphasizing her commitment to the sport. During a captains’ conclave ahead of the tournament, Harmanpreet was asked whether this could be her final T20 World Cup. She responded with characteristic confidence, quipping, “You think I should stop?” Her mindset reflects a career defined by determination, focus, and an unwavering drive to contribute at the highest level. Harmanpreet is on the verge of achieving a significant milestone: 200 T20 Internationals. With 4,075 runs in 197 matches, she remains India’s most influential middle-order batter and one of the most experienced leaders in women’s cricket. Her ability to construct innings, adapt to conditions, and shift gears during critical moments makes her indispensable. While India’s batting lineup includes powerful openers like Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, as well as aggressive contributors such as Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh, it is Harmanpreet’s composure under pressure that often stabilizes the team. Former India captain Mithali Raj highlighted Harmanpreet’s value, noting her deep understanding of her role as a batter and leader. “She likes to build her innings, assess the conditions, and then take on the bowlers,” Mithali said.#india #smriti_mandhana #harmanpreet_kaur #icc_womens_t20_world_cup #shafali_verma
ICC Women's T20 Rankings: Harmanpreet Kaur Returns to Top 10, Amelia Kerr Claims All-Rounder Title The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released its latest Women's T20 International rankings ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. The update highlights significant changes in both batting and all-rounder categories, with India's captain Harmanpreet Kaur making a notable return to the top 10. New Zealand's captain Amelia Kerr has secured the number one spot in the all-rounder rankings, while several other players have seen shifts in their positions. In the batting rankings, Harmanpreet Kaur climbed back into the top 10 after a strong performance in the T20 series against England. Her unbeaten half-century in the decisive match of the series played a crucial role in her resurgence. The top 10 now includes three Indian players: Kaur, Smriti Mandhana at fifth, and Shafali Verma at seventh. England's Alice Capsey, who scored an impressive 82 runs in the series finale, moved up 13 places to rank 30th. Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana advanced two positions to 18th, while England's Heather Knight climbed four spots to 21st. Amelia Kerr's rise to the top of the all-rounder rankings is particularly noteworthy. The New Zealand captain narrowly edged out Heather Knight, with Kerr holding a five-point lead in the standings. Both players are set to compete for dominance in the upcoming T20 World Cup, which begins on June 12, 2026. Kerr's consistent performances, including her all-round contributions in recent matches, have solidified her position at the summit. In the bowling rankings, England's Lincie Smith leads the all-rounder category, maintaining her position as the top-ranked spinner. Smith's performance against Pakistan's Sadia Iqbal helped her retain the number one spot.#icc #india #new_zealand #harmanpreet_kaur #amelia_kerr
India out to make winning World Cups a habit The Indian women's cricket team is set to embark on its campaign for the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, aiming to build on its recent successes and establish itself as a dominant force in the tournament. Led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, the squad enters the competition with high expectations, though challenges remain as they navigate a competitive Group A. Despite a strong showing in the 2024 World Cup, the team has faced setbacks in recent series against South Africa and England, which have raised questions about their readiness for the upcoming tournament. The squad includes key players such as Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Richa Ghosh, with Harmanpreet Kaur at the helm. However, injuries to crucial pace bowlers and inconsistent performances from some key players have left the team's best combination incomplete. The team's recent form has been mixed, with a 1-4 loss to South Africa in a T20I series highlighting their struggles. This defeat, coupled with a poor run of results in the lead-up to the World Cup, has placed them in a precarious position. Among the players to watch are Jemimah Rodrigues, who has thrived in England with a strike rate of 130.25 in T20Is there, and Shree Charani, a left-arm spinner who has been reliable in England despite a recent setback. Yastika Bhatia's return to competitive cricket after nearly nine months on the sidelines has also been noted, though her performance in the Powerplay phase has been inconsistent. The team's management is balancing the need to experiment with lineups while ensuring stability in the middle order, where Richa Ghosh's struggles have added pressure.#india #smriti_mandhana #harmanpreet_kaur #jemimah_rodrigues #shafali_verma
England Women's Series-Clinching Victory Over India England Women secured a decisive win in the final T20I of their series against India, with Alice Capsey and Heather Knight starring in a dominant performance at Taunton. The match, played on Tuesday (June 2), saw England chase down a target of 181 with ease, thanks to a partnership that turned the game in their favor. Capsey was named both player of the match and player of the series for her innings of 82, while Knight anchored the chase with an unbeaten 70. England faced early challenges in their chase, losing their openers within the first three overs. Danni Wyatt-Hodge was dismissed in the second over, and Sophia Dunkley fell to Jemimah Rodrigues in the deep. Kranti Gaud also removed Amy Jones in the final over of the Powerplay, leaving England in a precarious position. However, Capsey quickly asserted her dominance, finishing the Powerplay with 6, 4, 4 to set the tone for a strong recovery. She raced to 37 off 15 balls, showcasing her ability to dismantle the Indian bowling attack with boundaries. Knight, meanwhile, grew in confidence as the innings progressed. She adapted well to the Indian spinners, contributing crucial runs after the Powerplay. The duo's partnership shifted the momentum in England's favor, allowing them to take control by the halfway mark. Capsey reached her half-century in just 26 deliveries, while Knight edged closer to her milestone with two boundaries off Nandni Sharma. With Knight on strike, Capsey accelerated her innings, targeting Shree Charani with a mix of fours and sixes. She smashed a four and followed it with two consecutive sixes, reducing the target to 28 from the final five overs. Despite Capsey's dismissal for 82, England's chase remained under control.#harmanpreet_kaur #india_women #england_women #heather_knight #alice_capsey
ICC Women's T20I Rankings: Harmanpreet Kaur Enters Top 10, Amelia Kerr Regains All-Rounder Title The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the latest T20I rankings ahead of the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup, which is set to begin in a few weeks. The update highlights significant changes in both batting and all-rounders rankings, with several players climbing the charts. Amelia Kerr of New Zealand has reclaimed the top spot in the all-rounders rankings, securing her position with 478 points. This follows her strong performances in recent matches, including a crucial role in New Zealand's series against Ireland. Her closest competitor, West Indies player Healy Mathews, remains in second place with 473 points, a mere five-point gap separating the two. Meanwhile, Scotland's Katharine Brearley has made a remarkable leap in the rankings, climbing 17 positions after a standout performance in Ireland's T20 series. Her consistent contributions with both bat and ball have propelled her to the 17th rank. In the batting rankings, India's captain Harmanpreet Kaur has made a notable breakthrough. She entered the top 10 after scoring a half-century against England in their third T20 match. Kaur now holds the 10th position with 655 points, edging out New Zealand's Sophie Devine, who remains at 650 points. Australia's Georgia Wareham leads the batting rankings with 815 points, followed by South Africa's Laura Wolvaart (786) and Pakistan's Beth Mooney (788). India's Smriti Mandhana (740) secures the fifth spot in the batting rankings. The bowling rankings also saw notable shifts. England's Linsey Smith claimed the top spot with 727 points, while fellow England bowler Lauren Bell (723) secured second place. Pakistan's Sadia Iqbal shares the second position with Bell, maintaining her strong form.#icc #new_zealand #harmanpreet_kaur #amelia_kerr #katharine_brearley
India SWOT Analysis: Batting-Heavy Squad Targets Women’s T20 World Cup Glory in England India enters the tenth edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales with high hopes, buoyed by their recent 50-over World Cup victory on home soil in 2025. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led team boasts a formidable batting lineup, though their bowling attack faces challenges in adapting to English conditions. The squad’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats are analyzed ahead of their Group 1 campaign, which begins with a match against Pakistan on June 14. Strengths: India’s batting department is a standout feature, with the top order maintaining the second-highest team average (30.1) and run rate (8.8) globally since the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma form a lethal opening partnership, accumulating 762 runs at a strike rate of 150, the best among all pairs in women’s T20 internationals. Mandhana’s performance in England is particularly notable, as she averages 38.3 in the format, the highest among batters with over 500 runs. Shafali, meanwhile, brings explosive power and maturity, striking at 157 during the powerplay and 164 in the middle overs. Her 16 sixes since the 2024 World Cup place her joint-second in the world alongside Smriti, Sophie Devine, and Sobhana Mostary. The spin bowling unit also ranks second globally in balls per wicket (17.9) and has claimed 84 wickets in 24 innings at an economy rate of 7.6. Sree Charani, who took 10 wickets in her debut T20I series in England, and Deepti Sharma, the all-time leading wicket-taker in women’s T20Is with 161 scalps, provide stability and experience. Weaknesses: The pace bowling department remains a concern, with key players like Amanjot Kaur and Kashvee Gautam sidelined due to injuries.#south_africa #smriti_mandhana #harmanpreet_kaur #shafali_verma #deei_sharma
India Aims to Regain Momentum Ahead of Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 India’s women’s cricket team is set to face England in a three-match T20I series starting on Thursday, with the match serving as a crucial final preparation before the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on June 12. The series holds particular significance for Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad, which has shown flashes of brilliance in recent months but has struggled to maintain consistent performance. The team aims to refine its strategies and finalize its playing combinations ahead of the global tournament. India’s preparations for the World Cup have been a mix of success and challenges. The team began strongly with a 5-0 victory over Sri Lanka at home in December 2025, followed by a historic 2-1 series win in Australia, marking its first bilateral T20I series triumph on Australian soil in a decade. This victory was seen as a major milestone, as India had previously struggled with consistency in overseas conditions, particularly under pressure. The team’s aggressive batting approach and disciplined bowling were highlighted as positive signs for the World Cup. However, the momentum waned during the subsequent tour of South Africa, where India suffered a 1-4 defeat. The series exposed several weaknesses, including inconsistent batting, a struggling middle order, and a bowling attack that failed to deliver in critical moments. These issues have raised concerns ahead of the World Cup, prompting the team to use the England series as a chance to address these shortcomings. The England series presents an opportunity for India to work on its weaknesses. The team’s pace bowling department, which struggled in South Africa, will need to adapt to English conditions, which are expected to favor seam bowling.#smriti_mandhana #harmanpreet_kaur #women_t20_world_cup_2026 #india_women_cricket_team #england_women_cricket_team
India Names Squad for Women's T20 World Cup with Yastika Bhatia and Nandani Sharma India's Women's T20 World Cup squad for the upcoming tournament in England has been finalized, featuring uncapped pace bowler Nandani Sharma, allrounder Radha Yadav, and Yastika Bhatia, who is making her maiden international call-up. The team, which will compete in the June-July edition of the tournament, includes key players such as Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma, while also addressing injuries and selection challenges from the recent T20I series in South Africa. The squad includes Yastika Bhatia, who has been sidelined due to a long-term injury. Bhatia, a wicketkeeper-batter, last played for India A in Australia in August 2025 and underwent ACL surgery in October 2025. She has represented India in 18 T20Is, with her last appearance dating back to April 2024. Radha Yadav, a spin-bowling allrounder, returns to the team after being dropped following her tour of England in the previous summer. Her inclusion strengthens India's spin department, which also features Deepti Sharma, Shree Charani, and Shreyanka Patil. The selection process was influenced by injuries to key players. Allrounder Amanjot Kaur, who missed India's recent T20I series in South Africa due to a back injury, is out for four to five months. Her replacement, Kashvee Gautam, was also unavailable after sustaining a right knee injury during the tour. Gautam, who had been picked as Kaur's replacement, will undergo surgery and is expected to miss the tournament. Chief selector Amita Sharma confirmed that the team's bowling department struggled in South Africa, with the opposition's main batter, Laura Wolvaardt, scoring heavily. To address this, the selectors focused on bolstering the bowling attack by adding Nandani Sharma and Radha Yadav.#india #smriti_mandhana #harmanpreet_kaur #deepti_sharma #nandani_sharma
India Announces Squad for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Following their recent victory in the 50-over Women's Cricket World Cup, the Indian women's team has unveiled its squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, set to begin on 12 June. The squad includes seasoned players and four debutantes, marking a strategic move to blend experience with fresh talent. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, leading the team for the fifth time at the tournament, aims to secure the title after previous near-misses. The team’s preparation includes a three-match T20I series against England, serving as their final warm-up ahead of the global competition. The squad features key batters such as Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Richa Ghosh, alongside bowlers Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh, who will shoulder significant responsibilities. Four players—Bharti Fulmali, Nandani Sharma, Shree Charani, and Kranti Gaud—will make their ICC Women's T20 World Cup debuts. These newcomers will join the team for the tournament, which will be held in Group A alongside Australia, Bangladesh, Netherlands, and South Africa. India’s opening match is scheduled for 14 June against Pakistan, a fixture that will test their ability to improve on their group stage exit from the 2024 edition. The team’s schedule includes matches against the Netherlands on 17 June, South Africa on 21 June, Bangladesh on 25 June, and Australia on 28 June at Lord’s, a historic venue for the Women’s Test match. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will also see India face England in a one-off Test from 10 to 13 July, marking the first Women’s Test at Lord’s. This match will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Rachel Heyhoe Flint leading an England side at the same ground.#india #smriti_mandhana #harmanpreet_kaur #icc_womens_t20_world_cup_2026 #shafali_verma
India Women Secure 14-Run Victory Over South Africa in 4th T20I India Women clinched a 14-run victory over South Africa Women in the fourth T20I of the series at Johannesburg on April 25, 2026, with Deepti Sharma delivering a standout performance. Sharma claimed a career-best five wickets for 19 runs, dismantling South Africa's batting lineup and anchoring India's dominant display. The hosts, chasing 186, were bowled out for 171, falling short by 14 runs despite a spirited effort. The match unfolded with India's bowlers imposing their will early, particularly Deepti Sharma, who dismissed key South African batters including Tumi Sekhukhune and Ayabonga Khaka with precision. Sharma’s figures of 5/19 and 36 runs from 26 deliveries highlighted her all-round contribution, while Shafali Verma also chipped in with two wickets. South Africa’s chase was marred by early setbacks, including the loss of Laura Wolvaardt, who struggled to adapt to the wet outfield conditions. India’s batting lineup remained resilient, with Harmanpreet Kaur leading the charge. Kaur emphasized the importance of teamwork, noting that every partnership contributed to the win. “It’s all about showing a good approach,” she said, reflecting on the team’s focus amid challenging conditions. The wet outfield, which made fielding difficult, was acknowledged by both teams, with Kaur praising the effort of her teammates. South Africa’s innings was characterized by inconsistency, with multiple dropped catches and a lack of sustained partnerships. Laura Wolvaardt admitted the team missed opportunities, particularly in the powerplay, and acknowledged the need for better execution in the final overs. Despite the loss, Wolvaardt praised Deepti Sharma’s performance, calling her an “exciting find” for South Africa’s future.#harmanpreet_kaur #deepti_sharma #south_africa_women #shafali_verma #india_women
India Women Pull Off Stunning Comeback in T20I Against South Africa India Women secured a thrilling 14-run victory over South Africa Women in the fourth T20I of their tour, marking a crucial turnaround after three consecutive losses. The match, played at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg under challenging wet conditions, saw India’s bowlers dominate with a maiden five-wicket haul from Deepti Sharma, while the batting lineup delivered a composed performance to chase down a target of 185. The win sets up a decisive fifth and final T20I in Benoni, where India will aim to clinch the series. Deepti Sharma emerged as the star performer, taking five wickets with her off-breaks to dismantle South Africa’s chase. Despite the damp outfield and unpredictable bounce, Sharma’s precision and variation proved decisive, with four clean bowled dismissals and an LBW decision sealing the victory. Her efforts were highlighted by the dismissal of Sekhukhune, who was stumped by Richa Ghosh after a slow, loopy delivery. Sharma’s ability to adapt to the conditions was praised by teammates, with Harmanpreet Kaur hailing her as a “brilliant” all-rounder who “can contribute with both bat and ball.” India’s batting lineup also played a pivotal role, with Shafali Verma leading the charge. Verma’s aggressive strokeplay, including a six off Eliz-mari Marx and a boundary-clearing four, kept the scoreboard ticking. Her partnership with Richa Ghosh provided stability, while the team’s collective effort to finish strongly was emphasized by Kaur. “Every partnership mattered a lot,” Kaur said, noting the importance of maintaining composure in difficult conditions. South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt acknowledged her team’s missed opportunities, particularly in the field.#harmanpreet_kaur #deepti_sharma #south_africa_women #shafali_verma #india_women
Laura Wolvaardt Slams Sensational Ton As South Africa Crush India In Women's T20I Series South Africa secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match Women's T20 International (WT20I) series against India with a dominant nine-wicket victory in the third match. Captain Laura Wolvaardt starred with a breathtaking century, leading her team to a comfortable chase of India’s 192 for 4. The win, achieved with 21 balls to spare, rendered the remaining two matches of the series in Johannesburg and Benoni irrelevant. India’s innings saw a remarkable batting display, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur and opener Shafali Verma scoring 66 and 64 respectively to post their highest total against South Africa. Kaur’s innings included seven boundaries and three sixes, while Verma struck eight boundaries and two sixes in her 46-ball 64. The duo’s partnership of 73 runs for the third wicket, alongside Smriti Mandhana’s 37 off 25 balls, laid the foundation for India’s total. However, the team’s momentum faltered in the ninth over, as Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues fell in consecutive deliveries, leaving India at 68 for 2. Richa Ghosh remained not out on 18 off 10 balls. South Africa’s response was clinical. Wolvaardt, already in scintillating form with scores of 51 and 54 in the first two matches, smashed 14 boundaries and five sixes in her 53-ball 115. Her opening partner, Sune Luus, contributed 64 not out off 42 deliveries, striking six boundaries and two sixes. The pair’s 183-run partnership for the opening wicket was the third highest successful run chase in women’s T20I history, trailing only the West Indies’ 212 against Australia in 2023 and England’s 198 against India in 2018. Wolvaardt’s innings was marked by her ability to dominate the Indian bowlers, who struggled to contain her aggressive strokeplay.#india #south_africa #laura_wolvaardt #harmanpreet_kaur #shafali_verma
India Captain Harmanpreet Kaur Urges Team Unity Amid T20I Struggles India’s women’s cricket team, led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, faces mounting pressure after suffering a second consecutive T20I loss to South Africa, which has left them trailing 2-0 in a five-match series ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The defeat, which occurred in Durban on April 19, 2026, marked a setback for India’s preparations for the tournament, set to begin in June in England and Wales. Despite the loss, Kaur remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of team cohesion and tactical adjustments to bounce back. The match, part of a crucial series against South Africa, saw India’s batting falter in the latter stages of their innings. After opener Shafali Verma provided a brisk start with a half-century, the team struggled to maintain momentum, eventually collapsing to 147 after losing the toss. South Africa’s response was clinical, with Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus combining for a 106-run partnership to secure a comfortable eight-wicket victory. The Proteas’ bowlers, including Player of the Match Chloe Tryon and seamer Tumi Sekhukhune, restricted India’s scoring, highlighting the team’s defensive solidity. Kaur acknowledged her team’s shortcomings but stressed the need for resilience. “Tough time. We as a team need to stay together,” she said at the post-match press conference. “We’ll go to Johannesburg with a positive approach. T20 format is like that: it’s about staying together.” She pointed to issues in the final overs of their innings, where poor strike rotation and missed opportunities cost them crucial runs. “We need to think how we go about the next three matches. Rotating strike is a key point, but things didn’t work out.#south_africa #laura_wolvaardt #harmanpreet_kaur #shafali_verma #india_women_cricket_team
India Debuts Anushka Sharma, Kranti Gaud as South Africa Opt to Bowl First in T20I Clash Durban, April 19 — India’s cricket team made a strategic move by introducing batting all-rounder Anushka Sharma and all-rounder Kranti Gaud into their playing XI for the second T20I against South Africa at Kingsmead. South Africa, leading the five-match series 1-0 after a commanding six-wicket victory in the opener, opted to bowl first, a decision that aligns with their tactical approach to the match. The match marked a significant milestone for opener Shafali Verma, who reached her 100th T20I appearance. Verma, the youngest debutant for India in the shortest format, now holds the third youngest record globally across men’s and women’s cricket for achieving this feat. Her continued presence in the team underscores her importance to India’s T20I strategy. India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, confirmed that Anushka and Kranti replaced Renuka Singh Thakur and Kashvee Gautam, who were rested for the game. Anushka’s inclusion was notable, given her standout performance in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) this year. She scored 177 runs in seven matches at an average of 25.28 and a strike rate of 129.19 for Gujarat Giants. Her form continued in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament, where she contributed 116 runs in five innings at an average of 23.2 and a strike rate of 104.50, helping India A secure the title in Bangkok. South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt emphasized the team’s focus on refining their bowling plans and capitalizing on the pitch conditions. “The wicket should be a little slower overall. Nice to know what to chase later on.#laura_wolvaardt #harmanpreet_kaur #anushka_sharma #shafali_verma #kranti_gaud
Harmanpreet Kaur Eyes T20 World Cup Glory After ODI Triumph Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed confidence in her side’s readiness for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa and the 2026 T20 World Cup, following their 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup victory. Speaking from Durban ahead of the series opener, Kaur emphasized the team’s improved mindset and focus on T20 cricket, calling the South Africa series a critical preparation step for the global tournament. “We are going into the series with a lot of confidence,” she said, highlighting the team’s performance against Australia as evidence of their growing strength. Kaur acknowledged South Africa’s status as a formidable opponent, noting their consistent presence in T20 World Cup finals and reliance on all-rounders. “They have very good players and always come up when the team needs them,” she remarked, adding that facing such a team before the World Cup would boost the squad’s morale. The Indian skipper also stressed the importance of the series in refining their T20 strategies and building confidence ahead of the tournament. Despite the team’s recent struggles in the ODI format, where they were blanked 3-0 in a series against Australia and lost a one-off pink-ball Test by 10 wickets, Kaur remained focused on T20 cricket. “Our main task is the T20 World Cup,” she said, noting that the team’s discussions after the ODI and Test losses were aimed at improving future performances in longer formats. Kaur highlighted the role of 22-year-old allrounder Kashvee Gautam, who is set to replace the injured Amanjot Kaur in the T20I series. Gautam, who has played six ODIs and a Test but no T20Is, is expected to contribute both with the bat and ball.#south_africa #t20_world_cup #harmanpreet_kaur #indian_women_cricket_team #kashvee_gautam
India and South Africa Prepare for T20 World Cup 2026 with Crucial T20I Series As the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, the upcoming T20I series between India and South Africa has taken on added significance as both teams focus on fine-tuning their strategies and building momentum ahead of the global tournament. The five-match series, scheduled to begin on 17 April, serves as a critical final stretch for both sides to assess their readiness and refine their combinations. India captain Harmanpreet Kaur emphasized the importance of the series in maintaining the team’s confidence following their historic ODI World Cup victory. “After the ODI World Cup, the team is looking quite confident. Wherever we are going, we are going with full confidence,” Kaur stated. She highlighted the South Africa series as a key opportunity to prepare for the T20 World Cup, noting that the team aims to play “very good cricket” to regain confidence. Kaur also underscored the need for squad depth, ensuring all players get equal exposure before the World Cup. “These series before the T20 World Cup are very important where all the players should get equal opportunities. So when we enter the World Cup, we should feel we are ready with all the players,” she said. The series also provides a platform for India to integrate emerging talent into their T20 World Cup squad. Young all-rounder Anushka Sharma, backed by Kaur, is set to gain valuable experience against a competitive South Africa side. “She is a great talent. We wanted to bring her here to give some experience. When you do well against teams like South Africa, you always get a lot of confidence,” Kaur added. South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt acknowledged the challenge of facing a confident Indian team, particularly given their strong spin attack.#india #south_africa #laura_wolvaardt #harmanpreet_kaur #kingsmead
Smriti Mandhana holds second spot, Deepti climbs to third spot in ICC rankings India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana retained her second position in the ICC T20I batters’ rankings, while all-rounder Deepti Sharma moved up to third in the all-rounders’ chart. Mandhana, the highest-ranked Indian batter, maintained her 770 rating, just behind Australia’s Beth Mooney. Sharma’s rise followed a drop in Australia’s Ash Gardner’s position to fourth. India captain Harmanpreet Kaur also climbed to 14th, while Shafali Verma stayed at sixth in the batters’ list. Australian opener Georgia Voll made her debut in the top 10 of the women’s T20I batters’ rankings after scoring her first T20I century against West Indies. New Zealand’s Sophie Devine advanced two places to 18th following strong performances against South Africa. Rwanda’s Fanny Utagushimaninde, the youngest player to score a T20I century, debuted at 66th after her historic innings against Ghana. South Africa’s Annerie Dercksen jumped to 55th, joining Utagushimaninde in making notable strides. In the all-rounders’ rankings, Australia’s Ellyse Perry climbed two spots to 20th, while West Indies’ Qiana Joseph surged 14 places to 33rd. Stafanie Taylor of the Windies also improved to 48th. In bowling, South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba entered the top 10, moving from 11th to ninth after taking five wickets in three matches. Australia’s Georgia Wareham rose from 16th to 12th with three wickets in two games. New Zealand’s Jess Kerr reached a career-high 15th spot after taking eight wickets in the first four matches against South Africa, including a crucial three for 16 in Wellington. Ayabonga Khaka climbed to 36th, and Kim Garth moved up to 44th.#smriti_mandhana #harmanpreet_kaur #deepti_sharma #beth_mooney #shafali_verma
Harmanpreet Kaur climbs to seventh in ODI rankings as Smriti Mandhana retains top spot India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur has risen to seventh in the latest Women’s ODI batting rankings, while her deputy Smriti Mandhana maintained her position at the summit. The update, released on Tuesday, also saw New Zealand’s Sophie Devine drop two places to ninth, allowing Kaur to move up a spot. Jemimah Rodrigues remained at 12th in the rankings. New Zealand’s Maddy Green made significant strides in the rankings following her standout performance in the final match of their ICC Women’s Championship series against Zimbabwe. The 33-year-old batter scored an unbeaten 94 in Dunedin, contributing to her team’s 200-run victory that completed a 3-0 series sweep. This innings propelled her up five places to 17th, with her career-best 610 rating points. Amelia Kerr, New Zealand’s all-rounder, also advanced in the rankings after a stellar performance in the series finale. She was named Player of the Match for her all-round effort—scoring 80 and taking 5/22—securing the Player of the Series award. Kerr moved from 21st to joint-19th, accumulating over 600 rating points across both batting and bowling categories. Other New Zealand players saw progress in the rankings. Isabelle Gaze climbed three places to 61st in batting, while seam bowlers Rosemary Mair and Bree Illing advanced seven and five spots, respectively, to 58th and 79th in bowling. In the T20I rankings, Kerr reached a career-best 694 rating points after her 78-run innings against South Africa in 44 balls.#smriti_mandhana #harmanpreet_kaur #sophie_devine #amelia_kerr #maddy_green
Smriti Mandhana retains top spot in women's ODI rankings India’s star batter Smriti Mandhana has retained the top position in the latest ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings, released on Tuesday. Her captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, also maintained her spot at eighth place. However, Jemimah Rodrigues dropped one rank to 12th after India’s 0-3 ODI series loss to Australia. New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr emerged as a standout performer, leading her team’s impressive form in the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. Kerr, the new captain of the White Ferns, showcased her all-round capabilities with a four-wicket haul in the opening match and a seven-wicket innings in the second game, becoming only the seventh player in women’s ODI history to achieve this feat. Her stellar bowling helped her climb five places to 11th in the ICC Women’s ODI Bowling Rankings and move up one spot to fifth in the All-Rounder Rankings. Kerr’s success was mirrored by other New Zealand players. Brooke Halliday surged eight places to 11th after scoring an unbeaten 157* in the series opener, while Maddy Green climbed four spots to joint 22nd in the batting rankings. Green contributed 67 in the first match and followed it with an unbeaten 27 in the second. The ICC Women’s T20I Rankings also saw notable changes following the completion of the West Indies’ three-match home series against Sri Lanka. Hasini Perera, the left-handed opener, scored an unbeaten half-century to help Sri Lanka secure the series win, climbing 15 places to 28th in the batting rankings. Young batter Imesha Dulani moved up 17 spots to joint 72nd after an unbeaten 34 in the decider. Kavisha Dilhari, the all-rounder, improved her bowling rankings by three places to 21st and her all-rounders’ list by two spots to 11th.#new_zealand #smriti_mandhana #harmanpreet_kaur #amelia_kerr #jemimah_rodrigues
ICC Women's ODI Rankings: Smriti Mandhana Claims No. 1 Batter Spot India opener Smriti Mandhana has ascended to the top of the ICC Women’s One Day International (ODI) batting rankings following her standout performances in the recent three-match series against Australia. Mandhana now holds 790 rating points, surpassing South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who is ranked second with 782 points. Wolvaardt retains a chance to reclaim the top position when South Africa faces New Zealand in March and April. Australia’s Alyssa Healy, who scored a century in her last ODI, is placed fourth with 744 points, positioned between Beth Mooney (749 points) and Ashleigh Gardner (724 points). India captain Harmanpreet Kaur is ranked ninth in the batting list, while Jemimah Rodrigues is in 12th place. In the ODI bowling rankings, Australia’s Alana King has claimed the no. 1 spot with 775 rating points, ending England’s Sophie Ecclestone’s nearly four-year reign at the top. King’s rise to the top came after her stellar performance in the series against India, where she took seven wickets, including four for 33 in the third ODI, helping her team secure an 185-run victory. This marks her first time as the top-ranked bowler and her highest rating to date. Other Australian bowlers in the top eight include Gardner (third), Annabel Sutherland (fifth), Megan Schutt (seventh), and Kim Garth (eighth). Deepti Sharma is the only Indian bowler in the top 10, placed at 10th. In the ODI all-rounder rankings, Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner leads with 516 points, significantly ahead of West Indies’ Hayley Matthews, who is second with 418 points. Deepti Sharma also features in the top 10 all-rounders list, ranked fifth.#smriti_mandhana #alyssa_healy #icc_womens_odi_rankings #laura_wolvaardt #harmanpreet_kaur
