South Africa's World Cup Superstars Witness Rise in Rankings
Wolvaardt finished with 230 runs in World Cup [AP Photos]
Despite coming second in the just concluded Women's T20 World Cup, South African players have witnessed a rise in rankings. The hosts, played as a unit and two of their players have been rewarded in the latest ICC rankings.
Laura Wolvaardt, who finished as the highest run-getter in the T20 World Cup, is at the 6th position in the batting charts, while seamer Shabnim Ismail, has climbed to number 7 after a stellar World Cup with the ball.
The Sune Luus led side became the first South African team - men's or women's to reach the finals of a World Cup, and Wolvaardt, Ismail played a huge part in it. South Africa lost the tournament opener to Sri Lanka, but the team rose from the Ashes and went to reach their maiden final.
Wolvaardt scored 230 runs in six innings, and jumped eight places in the rankings. Among the bowlers, Ismail was at the 11th position, but a fine performance witness a surge in her rankings.
Wolvaardt's opening partner, Tazmin Brits also saw a rise in the batting charts. She amassed 186 runs across six innings, and finished as the fifth highest run-getter in the competition.
Talking about other teams, Australia's mega star, Ashleigh Gardner strengthened her position at the top of the all-rounders' rankings. She scored 110 runs, and picked up 10 wickets and won the Player of the Tournament award.
Meanwhile, England's Sophie Ecclestone had yet another impressive tournament, and continues her domination in the bowling department. She scalped 11 wickets, and became only the second female cricketer after Megan Schutt to go past the 800 rating points (801).
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
