Dambulla: Following standout performances in the recent Women’s Asia Cup, Indian opener Smriti Mandhana and Sri Lankan counterpart Chamari Athapaththu have ascended in the ICC Women’s T20I Batting Rankings. Mandhana moved up to fourth place while Athapaththu achieved a career-best-equaling sixth position.

According to International Cricket Council, Mandhana’s advancement comes after scoring 55 not out against Bangladesh and 60 in the final against Sri Lanka. Athapaththu’s rise was bolstered by scores of 49 not out, 63, and a pivotal 61 off 43 balls in the final. Other significant movements in the batting rankings include Bangladesh’s captain Nigar Sultana, who rose three places to 14th, and India’s Jemimah Rodrigues, who is now 18th.

The rankings update also highlighted gains for wicketkeepers Muneeba Ali of Pakistan and Nannapat Koncharoenkai of Thailand, alongside notable progress in the bowling rankings. Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal and India’s Renuka Singh have made substantial strides, with Singh re-entering the top five after a successful semifinal performance.

This year’s Asia Cup not only showcased exceptional talent but also influenced significant shifts in the ICC rankings, reflecting the dynamic nature of women’s international cricket.