ISLAMABAD (PEN) : As the T20 World Cup approaches, a host of spinners showcased their talents across various series, earning recognition in the latest T20I Bowling Rankings.
Pakistan’s Nashra Sundhu made a notable leap, moving up six spots to eighth place after her impressive performance of 2/20 in four overs. Australia’s Ash Gardner also rose six places to ninth, scoring 682 points, surpassing Bangladesh’s Rabeya Khan.
Gardner’s journey to this ranking wasn’t straightforward. She narrowly avoided missing the Trans-Tasman series due to an unusual warm-up accident with teammate Georgia Wareham before their first match in Mackay. After being cleared of concussion but sitting out the opener, she made a strong comeback in the second game, taking 3/16 in a standout performance.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s leg-spinner Melie Kerr reinforced her value to her team with a remarkable 4/20 in her second outing, moving up four spots into the top 20.
Noteworthy shifts included fast bowler Annabel Sutherland entering the top 20 for the first time, climbing five places to 19th with 632 points. South Africa’s Tumi Sekhukhune also made strides, jumping eight spots to 43rd after solid performances in Pakistan.
In the T20I Batting Rankings, there was minimal movement at the top, but Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield made a strong pre-tournament statement, jumping 20 spots to 41st with a stellar score of 64* off 43 balls against New Zealand. In Pakistan, newly appointed captain Fatima Sana showcased her batting growth with scores of 37* off 23 balls and 27 off 17 balls, earning a 22-spot rise and advancing four positions in the All-Rounder rankings.
While the top 10 in the All-Rounder category remained unchanged, Chloe Tryon made a significant leap to a career-high rating of 204 points, moving up two spots to 13th, just below her fellow South African, Nadine de Klerk.