Nahida Akter and Sadia Iqbal among top risers as Asian teams secure spots for ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025
Dubai [UAE], April 22:
Following impressive performances in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025, several players from Pakistan and Bangladesh have made significant gains in the ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings, announced Tuesday by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Both Asian teams secured qualification for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup after finishing in the top two of the recently concluded qualifier tournament — and their players were duly rewarded in the latest rankings update.
🌟 Key Climbers in Bowling Rankings
Bangladesh’s Nahida Akter rose two places to enter the top 10 of the ODI bowling rankings, reaching a career-high 10th position thanks to her six wickets during the Qualifiers.
Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal was one of the standout bowlers, jumping five spots to 17th with nine wickets, also reaching her best-ever rating. Fellow Pakistani pacers Fatima Sana (up five to equal 27th) and Diana Baig (up three to 35th) also climbed the charts.
Despite the West Indies missing out on World Cup qualification, Hayley Matthews, the leading wicket-taker with 13 scalps, retained her 9th spot, while Afy Fletcher (21st) and Karishma Ramharack (25th) also gained ground.
🏏 Batting Rankings: Matthews, Sidra, and Gaby on the Rise
Matthews’ strong showing with the bat — 240 runs in the tournament — also saw her rise two spots to 5th among ODI batters. She was joined by Pakistan’s Sidra Amin (up five to 18th) and Ireland’s Gaby Lewis (up five to 17th) in the top 20.
Bangladesh opener Sharmin Akhter (up eight spots to 21st) and Ireland’s Amy Hunter (up seven to 27th) also made notable strides, bolstering their nations’ top-order strength.
Scotland’s captain and Player of the Tournament Kathryn Bryce surged eight places to equal 35th — her highest ODI batting rating to date.
💪 All-Rounders on the Move
Bryce also jumped 13 spots to 30th in the ODI all-rounder rankings. Pakistan’s Fatima Sana, who had a memorable campaign, climbed 10 positions to joint 15th, while Ireland’s Orla Prendergast rose three places to 11th.
With the Women’s World Cup 2025 on the horizon, these rising stars from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, and beyond are not only earning their teams historic wins but also shaping a more competitive and diverse landscape in women’s international cricket.