Sadia Iqbal becomes world's premier T20I bowler in ICC rankings

Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal has risen to the top of the ICC Women’s T20I Bowler Rankings, reclaiming the No.1 spot after a re-shuffle at the top.

Iqbal's climb follows the absence of England's Sophie Ecclestone, who sat out her side's recent T20I series against the West Indies.

Iqbal, a key performer in Pakistan’s successful 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup campaign, has once again demonstrated her consistency and skill.

She had briefly held the No.1 position during last year’s T20 World Cup, but Ecclestone’s absence in recent weeks allowed the Pakistan spinner to reclaim the top ranking.

She is also joined by Nashra Sandhu from Pakistan, who retains her No. 8 rank.

Ecclestone drops to fourth in the latest rankings following her absence, while Lauren Bell, England’s emerging pace bowler, jumps 13 spots to sixth after a strong performance against the West Indies.

Bell took seven wickets in the series, helping her rise up the rankings.

Meanwhile, Hayley Matthews of the West Indies has also seen success, moving up to second in the T20I batting rankings after her Player of the Series performance against England.

Matthews scored 177 runs in the series, maintaining her all-rounder status as she also claimed three wickets.

The latest rankings also see England's Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight, and Sophia Dunkley rise following their performances with the bat against the West Indies.