Indian women’s team cricketer Shafali Verma has attained the No.1 position in the ICC Women’s T20I ranking after her stunning performance in the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020. The 16-year-old batting star has only 18 T20Is under her belt but the way she plays doesn’t define that she is an inexperienced batswoman.
The opening batswoman has given a compelling start to India in every game of the coveted tournament. So far, Shafali scored 161 runs at a staggering strike rate of 161.00.
Also, she is the third-highest scorer in the ongoing tournament. Shafali slammed her best (47) against Sri Lanka.
Shafali jumped 19 places and dethroned New Zealand veteran Suzie Bates from the top spot, who has held the No.1 position since October 2018. She became only the second Indian woman after the legendary Mithali Raj to top the T20I rankings.
Shafali Verma makes her country proud:
Shafali Verma has risen a remarkable 19 places to claim the top spot among batters.
She's just 18 T20I matches and 16 years old ?@MRFWorldwide | #ICCRankings pic.twitter.com/CfTYSnaNIc
— ICC (@ICC) March 4, 2020
As India has entered the semi-finals of the tournament, Shafali can be a game-changer for the team who will wish to lift the maiden title.
On the other hand, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues have fall two places from their previous spot, following their visible struggle at the T20 World Cup.
Sophie Ecclestone tops the bowling charts:
This England cricketer is the dangerous bowler for the opposition. She is one of the best spinners who is renowned for her accuracy and economy rate.
In the marquee clash against the West Indies women, she picked three-wicket to hand England a semi-final spot. Also, the youngster is the second-highest wicket-taker so far, with eight wickets in four matches.
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. While Poonam Yadav, Radha Yadav, and Deepti Sharma are the three bowlers among the Top 10 list.
Meanwhile, along with India and England, South Africa and Australia are the other two teams who will play semi-finals.