Deepti Sharma Climbs to No. 2 in ICC ODI Bowling Rankings

Deepti Sharma's outstanding performances in the first two ODIs against New Zealand have propelled her to a career-high ranking of No. 2 in the ICC ODI bowling rankings. With a total of 687 rating points, she has surpassed notable bowlers Kate Cross and Megan Schutt, now sitting just behind Sophie Ecclestone, who leads the chart with a significant 83-point gap.

Throughout the series, which is currently tied 1-1 heading into the third and final match, Deepti has made a significant impact with three wickets and an impressive economy rate of 3.42. In addition to her ODI success, she has also climbed to No. 3 in the T20I bowling rankings, trailing only behind Ecclestone and Sadia Iqbal.

The series has also seen notable movements in the rankings for several New Zealand bowlers. Lea Tahuhu has risen three spots to No. 12, Amelia Kerr has advanced one position to No. 13, and Sophie Devine has jumped nine places to tie for No. 30 among bowlers. However, Kerr has been ruled out for the remainder of the series due to a quadricep tear sustained in the first ODI, which India won. In contrast, Tahuhu and Devine starred in New Zealand's victory in the second ODI.

Devine's impressive performance in the second match, where she scored 79 runs off 86 balls and took 3 wickets for 27 runs, has earned her a rise of three spots to No. 8 in the ODI batting rankings. Other notable advancements among the top 20 batters include Kerr (up to No. 11), Suzie Bates (joint No. 15), and Maddy Green (up seven spots to No. 18). For India, Jemimah Rodrigues emerged as a major gainer among batters, contributing 35 runs to India's first match victory.

Both Deepti and Devine have also made strides in the allrounders' rankings, with Devine moving up two places to No. 7 and Deepti advancing one spot to No. 4. This series has showcased the growing talent and competitiveness in women's cricket, highlighted by these remarkable individual performances.