1. Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)
Ranking: 1st
Rating: 773
Overview:
Laura Wolvaardt is a key figure in the South African women’s cricket team, and her consistent performances have propelled her to the top of the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings. As an opener, Wolvaardt has been a reliable and stylish batter for South Africa, making significant contributions in various international matches.
Batting Style:
Wolvaardt is known for her elegant technique and temperament. She possesses a solid defense and is capable of playing both aggressive and steady innings, adjusting her approach based on the match situation. Her ability to build long innings and anchor the team has been crucial for South Africa’s success.
Key Strengths:
- Consistency: Wolvaardt has shown remarkable consistency across formats, which has made her one of the leading players in world cricket.
- Adaptability: Her ability to adapt to different playing conditions and perform against quality opposition is a hallmark of her game.
2. Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)
Ranking: 2nd
Rating: 733
Overview:
Chamari Athapaththu is one of the most dynamic and aggressive players in the Sri Lankan women’s cricket team. Known for her fearless batting, she has led her side with great impact, taking charge of the game from the start. Her aggressive stroke play has made her one of the most exciting batters in women’s cricket.
Batting Style:
Athapaththu’s batting is marked by her bold, attacking style. She has the ability to hit big shots and clear the boundary with ease. Whether it’s in the powerplay or the middle overs, she can dominate bowlers and put pressure on the opposition.
Key Strengths:
- Power Hitting: Athapaththu’s ability to hit long, powerful shots makes her a dangerous batter, especially in limited-overs cricket.
- Aggression: Her aggressive mindset allows her to score quickly and build momentum for her team.
3. Smriti Mandhana (India)
Ranking: 3rd
Rating: 723
Overview:
Smriti Mandhana is one of India’s most consistent and stylish batters, known for her elegant stroke play and calm demeanor under pressure. Mandhana’s performances in international cricket have made her one of the leading players in women’s ODI cricket.
Batting Style:
Mandhana is an elegant left-handed batter with a wide range of shots. Her drives through the offside and her ability to place the ball effectively make her a treat to watch. She is also capable of accelerating when required, especially in the middle overs.
Key Strengths:
- Elegance and Timing: Mandhana’s graceful batting technique and impeccable timing make her one of the most beautiful players to watch in world cricket.
- Composure Under Pressure: Her ability to play under pressure and perform in high-stakes situations has been crucial for India’s successes.
4. Natalie Sciver-Brunt (England)
Ranking: 4th
Rating: 707
Overview:
Natalie Sciver-Brunt is one of England’s most accomplished all-rounders, known for her ability to contribute with both bat and ball. As a batter, Sciver-Brunt has consistently provided stability to the English middle order, while her bowling has been effective in breaking key partnerships.
Batting Style:
Sciver-Brunt is a versatile batter who can accelerate when needed but also has the temperament to build an innings. Her experience and calmness in crucial situations make her a vital asset to the team.
Key Strengths:
- All-Round Abilities: Her ability to perform with both bat and ball sets her apart from many other players in world cricket.
- Versatility: Sciver-Brunt can adapt to various batting positions and roles, contributing to the team in multiple ways.
5. Alyssa Healy (Australia)
Ranking: 5th
Rating: 678
Overview:
Alyssa Healy is Australia’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, known for her explosive batting at the top of the order. Healy has been a key player for Australia in both ODIs and T20Is, providing her team with quick starts and solidifying her place among the best in the world.
Batting Style:
Healy’s batting is characterized by her aggression and ability to play attacking shots from the outset. As an opener, she can take the game away from the opposition in a matter of overs, with her sharp eye for boundaries and innovative shot-making.
Key Strengths:
- Aggressive Batting: Healy’s ability to score quickly and put pressure on the opposition right from the start is one of her key strengths.
- Wicketkeeping Skills: Apart from her batting, Healy is also regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers in women’s cricket, making her an invaluable asset to the Australian team.
Conclusion
The top five players in the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings for 2025 showcase a diverse set of skills, from attacking aggression to elegant stroke play and all-round capabilities. These players not only lead their respective teams but also set the benchmark for excellence in women’s cricket. Each of these players—Laura Wolvaardt, Chamari Athapaththu, Smriti Mandhana, Natalie Sciver-Brunt, and Alyssa Healy—continues to inspire and elevate the game through their consistent and impactful performances on the international stage.