Pakistan Spinner Outshines Deepti Sharma To Claim ICC's No. 1 Bowler Ranking

Sadia Iqbal [Source: @ShakeelktkKhan/X]

Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal ascended to the pinnacle of the ICC Women’s T20I Bowling Rankings, dethroning England’s Sophie Ecclestone and leaving behind India's Deepti Sharma for second place in the race. 

The shift follows Ecclestone’s absence from England’s recent home series against the West Indies, opening the door for Sadia Iqbal to reclaim the top position she briefly held during the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Iqbal’s Triumph Over India and Australia's Bowling Aces

A standout performer at last year’s T20 World Cup, Iqbal’s consistent precision and knack for breakthroughs propelled her to the No.1 ranking. Meanwhile, Ecclestone, who dominated the charts for 1,026 days, slipped to fourth place due to her hiatus.

India's Deepti Sharma and Australia's Annabel Sutherland also moved on position each but couldn't beat Sadia who now sits at 746 rating points.

(ICC's Women's T20I Bowling Rankings)

England’s pace attack, however, saw a surge, Lauren Bell rocketed 13 spots to sixth after claiming seven wickets in the West Indies series, while spinners Linsey Smith (up 37 places to 41st) and Issy Wong (up 32 spots to joint-62nd) also climbed significantly.

Sadia's Impressive Stats In International Cricket

Sadia Iqbal has shown remarkable consistency with the ball in Women's One Day Internationals. In 27 matches, she has bowled 1,377 deliveries, conceding 843 runs and picking up 35 wickets. Sadia has also maintained an impressive economy rate of 3.67 and a strike rate of 39.3. 

In Women's T20 Internationals, Sadia has been even more effective. In 47 matches, she has bowled 1,100 balls and given away 1,034 runs while claiming 59 wickets. Her best bowling performance in a match is 4 for 16. With a bowling average of 17.52, an economy rate of 5.64, and a strike rate of 18.6.

---

ALSO READ

Pakistan Announces National Women’s T20 Tournament 2025 In Karachi

---