Laura Wolvaardt returns to the top spot in the ICC Women's ODI batting rankings for the first time since the 2022 World Cup after putting on a fine performance in the ongoing three-match ODI series against England which is currently level at 1-1. Wolvaardt made steady contributions of 59* and 35 in the first and second ODI respectively to move up by two places in the batting chart. In doing so, she has challenged the dominance of Nat Sciver-Brunt at the top who has now dropped to the number three position. 

See also: SA-W vs ENG-W 3rd ODI, Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today?

Reflecting on the recent changes in the ICC Women's ODI Batting Rankings

While Laura and Sciver-Brunt manage to hold on to positions one & three respectively, Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu snuck through to claim the number two position in the batting chart. Further on, Perry has leapfrogged to the number four position after smashing a blistering century against India Women in the second ODI helping Australia Women clinch the series 2-0. 

India's Smriti Mandhana performed poorly in the ongoing tour to Australia with her average dropping well below 10. The Indian batter fell by one position in the batting rankings and is currently ranked fifth. Chloe Tryon was another South African player who made rapid advancements in the rankings, ascending eight positions to 17th position joining Ash Gardner of Australia following her score of 45 in the second ODI. 

How are things shaping up for the Laura Wolvaardt-led South African side ahead of the final ODI?

With the series level at 1-1, the stage is set for a cracking showdown at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom. South African Women were blown away in the T20I series and went down without putting on a fight. But this ODI series presents them with an opportunity to conclude the white-ball series on a winning note. Laura has been the pick of the batters in this ongoing ODI series averaging 94 across two innings. 

The Women’s Premier League (WPL) cricket league has shown spectators both skill and robust rivalry, with batters frequently deciding the outcome of games. As the competition prepares for another exciting season, all eyes are focused on the top performers.

The second season of the WPL will include more young players looking to showcase their abilities and make a name for themselves. Some players stand out as possible match-winners in this highly competitive competition due to their constant run-scoring skills. The hitters have been the standout of any team’s game-winning performances. So, let’s take a closer look at the top three batters to watch out for in the upcoming season of WPL, who have the potential to make a solid impact with the willow to emerge as the highest run-scorer and earn the Orange Cap in the WPL 2024.

Nat-Sciver Brunt

Nat-Sciver Brunt is one of the most experienced batters in the event. The English hitter has been constant with the bat, and her ability to play according to the game’s circumstances sets her apart from others. She displayed her abilities during the league’s initial season by significantly bolstering the Mumbai Indians middle-order batting.

The 31-year-old hitter had the second-highest run total in the competition, scoring 332 runs in ten games with a commendable average of 66.40 and a high score of 72* against the UP Warriorz. And it is evident how she would contribute to the defending champions in the upcoming season in the form of her runs count.

Shafali Verma

Shafali Varma, an Indian batswoman who made a mark in the female cricketing world at the teenage age of 16, has done the talking, using her aggressive and assertive batting approach to sum up her career. In the inaugural season of the WPL, she got the chance to represent the Delhi Capitals and made the team’s opening pair with the former Orange Cap holder Meg Lanning.

Thanks to her swashbuckling approach of middling the ball, she has earned the best strike rate of the whole tournament by scoring an impressive 252 runs in nine matches, with two half-centuries and a colossal strike rate of 185.29 for the Capitals. As it suggests, many cricketing fans await to see her bat do the talking and be a contender to score the highest runs in the second WPL edition.

Alyssa Healy

The 33-year-old batswoman from down under, Alyssa Healy, has had an impeccable previous WPL season with her inaugural stint with the UP Warriorz. Accredited for her consistency and turning the game in her team’s favour, Healy has scored an impressive 253 runs in her nine-game timeline.

She also has a fantastic average of 31.62 runs per match and a strike rate of 141.34. Her achievements on the pitch have aided UP Warriorz Women’s campaign, displaying her potential to thrive in the WPL’s fierce competition. And it is no surprise that she could be one of the robust contenders for the orange cap in the coming edition.