Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal closes in on top spot in ICC T20I rankings for bowlers

West Indies women's cricketer, Hayley Matthews, has advanced in the recent ICC Women's T20I Player Rankings. Concurrently, Pakistan spinner Sadia Iqbal has edged closer to securing the top position among T20I bowlers after the latest rankings update.

Matthews, recognized as the Player of the Series in West Indies' recent 4-1 triumph over Pakistan in a five-game T20I series, has climbed the ranks across batting, bowling, and all-round performance categories. The all-rounder now stands at third place in the T20I batter rankings, fifth in the bowlers' rankings, and maintains her commanding lead in the all-rounder category.

The 26-year-old's stellar performances during the series against Pakistan, amassing 205 runs and claiming seven wickets, have cemented her position as a key player for West Indies. Her teammates, Shemaine Campbelle and Afy Fletcher, have also shown improvement in their respective categories, rising in the rankings.

On the Pakistani side, Sadia Iqbal's left-arm spin prowess has earned her a spot as the third-ranked bowler, trailing behind England's Sophie Ecclestone. Iqbal's seven-wicket haul in the series has been instrumental in her ascent in the rankings. Additionally, pacer Fatima Sana has climbed to 26th place after a notable performance with five wickets against the West Indies.

The ongoing series in Sylhet between India and Bangladesh has also witnessed notable movements in the rankings. Shafali Verma has risen to 12th place among T20I batters, while Radha Yadav's impressive bowling display has seen her climb to equal 30th position in the bowlers' rankings.

Scotland's Kathryn Bryce has also garnered attention for her exceptional performances, particularly in securing her team's spot at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Bryce's contributions have seen her rise to equal 25th for batters, equal 52nd for bowlers, and break into the top 10 at ninth place for all-rounders. 

Her standout showing in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier event in Abu Dhabi, including a Player of the Match performance against Ireland in the semi-finals, has been instrumental in her rankings surge.