In a stunning comeback, Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal has surged back to the top of the ICC Women’s T20I Bowling Rankings. The 30-year-old dominated South Africa in their recent T20I series, claiming five wickets across three matches, including a remarkable 3/18 spell that turned the game in Pakistan’s favor.
Iqbal leaped two places, overtaking Australia’s pace sensation Annabel Sutherland and India’s veteran Deepti Sharma. Sutherland had only recently claimed the summit, but Iqbal’s consistent wicket-taking prowess and match-winning spells have restored her to the pinnacle.
The rankings update brings more joy for Pakistan. Captain Fatima Sana’s all-round heroics in the series decider propelled her up 31 spots to 28th in batting and five places in the all-rounders’ list. Her unbeaten 47 in the third T20I earned her Player of the Match, while her series tally of 146 runs and two wickets secured Player of the Series honors.
England’s Sophie Ecclestone climbed to third among bowlers, and Pakistan’s Nashra Sandhu rose to ninth. Meanwhile, Indian bowlers shone in rain-hit Australia series: Renuka Singh vaulted six places to fifth, Arundhati Reddy soared 19 spots to 16th, and Sree Charani jumped eight to 39th, rewarding their gritty efforts.
Iqbal’s return to No.1 underscores her dominance in the shortest format, setting the stage for thrilling T20I battles ahead. Pakistan’s rising stars signal a bright future for women’s cricket in the nation.