India remained static at the fourth spot but gained three significant points in the International Cricket Council women’s rankings for the first time following the annual update on Tuesday. Mithali Raj’s side, who had reached the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup in July, has now closed in the gap with third-placed New Zealand, PTI reported.
Suzie Bates’s New Zealand maintained their third position, remaining unmoved from their pre-update tally of 118 points. Raj said her team now aims to leap to the third spot. “Gaining these valuable points is no mean achievement and have come after some fine performances over the past year, including at the World Cup. I’m sure this will inspire our team in matches ahead,”
Raj said. “We are now close to New Zealand in the rankings and will aim to be number three,” she added.
The table is headed by England, who have dethroned Australia from the top position. England are now level with Australia on 128 points, but ahead on decimal points after the annual update. Results from the 2013-’14 season are no longer included. The rankings now take into account 2014-’15 and 2015-’16 seasons at 50 per cent each while the 2016-’17 season accounts for 100 per cent.
The Windies remain at fifth place but have lost four points. South Africa, who are at sixth, have 93 points. Pakistan have lost one point and are on 72 while Sri Lanka too, are unchanged in points to be at the eighth spot.
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