Ash Gardner claims top spot in ICC Women’s All-Rounder Rankings

Australia’s Ash Gardner has ascended to the top of the ICC Women’s All-Rounder Rankings following her stellar performances in the ongoing Women’s Ashes series. Gardner’s all-around display, which included 146 runs and four wickets, helped her surpass South African veteran Marizanne Kapp in the rankings, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Gardner’s contributions were pivotal as Australia clinched victory in all three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against England. The highlight of her series was her maiden international century, a brilliant 102-run knock off 102 balls at Hobart’s Bellerive Oval in the third ODI. This, combined with her earlier standout performances, elevated her to a career-best 469 points in the All-Rounder ODI Rankings, placing her 25 points ahead of Kapp.

Her achievements extend beyond her all-rounder status. Gardner has also climbed five places to break into the top 10 of the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings, reaching a career-high 648 rating points.

Gardner’s series began with a Player of the Match performance in the first ODI at North Sydney Oval, where she took 3/19 in 6.1 overs and followed it up with a match-winning 42 not out off 44 balls. These efforts set the tone for Australia’s dominance in the Ashes series.

Meanwhile, other players have also made notable strides in the ICC rankings. West Indies star Hayley Matthews re-entered the top five batters in the Women’s ODI Batting Rankings, climbing four spots after her unbeaten 104 off 93 balls against Bangladesh. The knock helped the West Indies secure a nine-wicket victory in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.

South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt remains at the top of the Women’s ODI Batting Rankings with 773 points. India’s Smriti Mandhana, fresh off an impressive series against Ireland, has solidified her position in second place with 738 points.

In the Women’s Bowling Rankings, the Ashes series has sparked significant movements. Australia’s Kim Garth climbed four places to reach sixth, while Alana King surged five spots to seventh. These changes mean Australia now has four bowlers in the top 10.