ICC Women’s ODI Bowling Rankings for 2025

1. Sophie Ecclestone (England)

Ranking: 1st

Rating: 779

Overview:
Sophie Ecclestone is one of the most dominant spin bowlers in the women’s game, holding the top spot in the ICC Women’s ODI Bowling Rankings. Known for her left-arm orthodox spin, Ecclestone’s control and precision have made her a crucial player for England in all formats.

Bowling Style:

Ecclestone bowls with remarkable accuracy and the ability to generate sharp turn. She can maintain tight lines and lengths, often tying down the opposition with her consistent bowling. Her ability to pick wickets in the middle overs makes her an invaluable asset for England.

Key Strengths:

• Accuracy and Control: Ecclestone’s ability to bowl tight lines and lengths makes her difficult to score off, allowing her to build pressure.
• Spin Mastery: Her skill to extract turn from any surface, combined with her calm demeanor, makes her a match-winner in key moments.

2. Ashleigh Gardner (Australia)

Ranking: 2nd

Rating: 722

Overview:
Ashleigh Gardner is a dynamic all-rounder for Australia, contributing both with the bat and ball. Her off-spin bowling has been highly effective, and her role as a middle-order batter adds a vital dimension to Australia’s team balance.

Bowling Style:

Gardner’s off-spin is characterized by its ability to turn both ways, and she possesses the skill to bowl at different paces. She has become a key bowler for Australia in the middle overs, using her variations to unsettle the opposition.

Key Strengths:

• Off-spin Variations: Gardner’s ability to deceive batters with variations in flight and spin gives her a crucial edge in limited-overs cricket.
• All-Round Impact: Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her a highly valuable player for Australia.

3. Megan Schutt (Australia)

Ranking: 3rd

Rating: 690

Overview:
Megan Schutt is one of the leading fast bowlers in the women’s game, known for her swing and seam movement. A mainstay in Australia’s pace attack, Schutt has been instrumental in taking early wickets and controlling the game during the powerplay.

Bowling Style:

Schutt is a right-arm fast-medium bowler who relies heavily on swing and seam movement. Her ability to move the ball both ways and bowl at consistent speeds has made her an effective force, especially during the early and death overs.

Key Strengths:

• Swing and Seam: Schutt’s skill at getting the ball to swing and seam consistently makes her a challenging bowler for any opposition.
• Bowling in Key Phases: Schutt excels during the powerplay and death overs, making her one of the most dangerous bowlers in limited-overs formats.

4. Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)

Ranking: 4th

Rating: 677

Overview:
Marizanne Kapp is a versatile all-rounder known for her excellent medium-fast bowling and aggressive batting. Her ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs and contribute with the bat makes her an integral part of South Africa’s squad.

Bowling Style:

Kapp bowls medium-fast deliveries with accuracy, consistently challenging the batter with her variations in pace and swing. Her ability to bowl at the start and finish of the innings gives her flexibility in various match situations.

Key Strengths:

• Accuracy and Control: Kapp’s ability to bowl consistently in the right areas makes her highly effective.
• All-Round Contribution: Besides her bowling, Kapp’s batting prowess provides a much-needed balance to South Africa’s team.

5. Deepti Sharma (India)

Ranking: 5th

Rating: 672

Overview:
Deepti Sharma is a crucial player for India, known for her left-arm orthodox spin and handy lower-order batting. Her economical bowling and ability to break partnerships have been key to India’s success in various formats.

Bowling Style:

Sharma is a crafty left-arm orthodox spinner, known for her accuracy and ability to bowl consistently in tight areas. She is particularly effective in the middle overs, controlling the game and preventing the opposition from building partnerships.

Key Strengths:

• Economy and Consistency: Sharma is known for her ability to bowl economically, putting pressure on the batters and limiting their scoring options.
• Partnership Breaker: Her knack for breaking key partnerships has made her a vital weapon in India’s bowling attack.

Conclusion

The top five players in the ICC Women’s ODI Bowling Rankings for 2025 have demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency. From Sophie Ecclestone’s masterful spin to Megan Schutt’s swing and Marizanne Kapp’s all-round contributions, these bowlers have set the standard for excellence in women’s cricket. Their ability to impact games and provide breakthroughs for their respective teams highlights their importance and makes them among the most formidable bowlers in the world.