WI's Hayley Matthews Storms Into Top Five After Heroics In Women's World Cup Qualifier

Hayley Matthews (Source:@MyNameIs_Hayley,x.com)

In a significant development, Hayley Matthews has returned to the top five of the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings announced on April 22, 2025. She showcased blistering performance against Thailand in the final match of the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier in Lahore.

Hayley Matthews Back Into Top Five

Matthews smashed a sensational 70 off just 29 balls and lead her side to a six-wicket victory. The innings propelled her two spots up the rankings to fifth place; just one shy of her career-best fourth position, which she held at the start of the tournament. 

In doing so, she overtook Australia's duo of Ellyse Perry and Alyssa Healy, who had previously held the fifth and sixth spots.

Ireland’s Gaby Lewis made a strong return to the top 20 with impressive scores of 75 against Thailand and 61 versus Scotland, rising five places to 17th. Her teammates Amy Hunter (up to 27th), Orla Prendergast (31st), Laura Delany (40th), and Leah Paul (42nd) also climbed the rankings. 

Pakistan’s Sidra Amin jumped five places to 18th. Meanwhile, opener Muneeba Ali reached a career-best 30th position. 

Bangladesh’s Nahida Akter Moved Up

In the bowling department, left-arm spinners stood out. Bangladesh’s Nahida Akter moved up to 10th, while Pakistan’s Sadia Iqbal surged five spots to 17th. West Indies’ Afy Fletcher equalled her career-best 21st position, and Bangladesh’s Rabeya Khan followed closely at 22nd.

Other notable changes include West Indies’ Karishma Ramharack (25th), Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana (27th), Diana Baig (35th), and Ireland’s Prendergast (43rd).

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