ICC Rankings: Nashra Sandhu among notable gainers as Pakistan’s late win brings progress

Dubai, Aug 11 (IANS) Pakistan’s consolation victory in the final T20I against Sri Lanka has translated into significant movement in the latest ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings, with Nashra Sandhu, Shawaal Zulfiqar and Tuba Hassan among those making notable gains despite Sri Lanka claiming the three-match series 2-1.

Sandhu emerged as Pakistan’s biggest mover among the bowlers, climbing one place to eighth after returning figures of 1/17 in the third T20I. The left-arm spinner was one of Pakistan’s most consistent performers throughout the series, finishing with three wickets while maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.72.

Tuba Hassan also moved upwards, gaining three places to reach 48th in the T20I bowling rankings. From the Sri Lankan camp, captain Chamari Athapaththu climbed five positions to 36th after contributing to her side’s historic series triumph.

Sri Lanka’s success was driven in large part by Imesha Dulani, whose breakthrough campaign earned her Player of the Series honours. The right-hander rose one place to 22nd among T20I batters after accumulating 123 runs at an average of 61.50.

Dulani’s performances were central to Sri Lanka’s first bilateral T20I series victory over Pakistan since 2014. She set the tone in the opening match on July 31, helping the hosts chase 177 with six wickets and six balls remaining before another commanding chase in the second game on August 2 sealed the series.

Pakistan’s Shawaal Zulfiqar actually finished the series with the highest aggregate of 132 runs. Her consistency was rewarded with a three-place rise to 49th in the latest batting rankings.

The all-rounders’ list also saw movement, with Sri Lanka’s Kavisha Dilhari climbing one position to 13th. The 25-year-old finished as the leading wicket-taker in the series and added another two wickets in the final encounter.

That final match provided Pakistan with a much-needed response after losing the opening two games. Their bowlers restricted Sri Lanka to 113 before Pakistan reached the target with four wickets and 10 deliveries remaining, preventing a clean sweep.

While the result offered Pakistan a consolation win, Sri Lanka’s 2-1 series triumph and the individual performances of Dulani, Athapaththu and Dilhari ensured the hosts emerged as the biggest beneficiaries when the latest ICC rankings were released.

–IANS

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