In a historic moment for Pakistani cricket, Sadia Iqbal has soared to the top of the ICC Women’s T20I bowling rankings, surpassing England’s Sophie Ecclestone. This achievement, which places the 29-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner in the coveted No. 1 spot, is more than just personal glory—it’s a reflection of the revitalization of women’s cricket in Pakistan. Iqbal’s impressive journey is underlined by her contributions to the team’s recent successes, particularly highlighted during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, when she first claimed the top ranking.
Her upward climb in the rankings is backed by an undeniable track record. Iqbal wrapped up 2024 with remarkable statistics—30 wickets in 19 matches, sporting a stellar average of 14.30. This performance made her the joint-highest wicket-taker among Full Member nations, alongside India’s Deepti Sharma. With a cumulative total of 59 wickets in just 47 T20Is at an enviable average of 17.52, Iqbal has cemented her place as a fierce competitor on the field.
The latest ICC Women’s Player Rankings update saw her leapfrog Ecclestone, who slipped to fourth after not participating in England’s recent T20I series against the West Indies due to recovery from a knee injury. England’s head coach, Charlotte Edwards, confirmed that Ecclestone, after her stint with UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League, wasn’t fully fit, thus opening the door for Iqbal’s ascent back to the top.
While celebrations erupted in response to her achievement, Iqbal maintained a humble demeanor. She expressed heartfelt gratitude in a message broadcast by the Pakistan Cricket Board, sharing her emotions on this major milestone. “Becoming the number one ranked T20I bowler is an incredible feeling. I can’t thank everyone enough for their support and the joy they’ve shown for my achievement,” she conveyed, reinforcing the significance of community and camaraderie in sports.
Iqbal’s ascent has not occurred in isolation; she attributes much of her development to the guidance of former Pakistan captain and spin legend Sana Mir. Mir, who once held the No. 1 spot herself, has played a vital role in nurturing Iqbal’s skills and mindset. “Sana has been an incredible mentor. I would often turn to her for advice on bowling variations, especially during crucial tournaments. Her insights have been invaluable, especially during the World Cup,” Iqbal shared, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in shaping athletic talent.
Iqbal’s performance was a cornerstone of Pakistan’s campaign during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier, where she took nine wickets in five matches, helping secure an undefeated run for the team. Her control and consistency were key factors that propelled Pakistan, alongside Bangladesh, into the upcoming World Cup set to unfold in India later this year.
As the qualification goal is within reach, Iqbal’s focus now shifts to replicating her success on the biggest stage of all. However, what matters most to her is the team’s performance. “The World Cup is our ultimate goal; it’s the biggest tournament. We want to maintain our momentum from the Qualifier and build on that success. For me, the team comes first. When we succeed as a group, it uplifts individual performances. My dream is to help my team clinch the World Cup,” she stated with unwavering determination.
Meanwhile, the landscape of the ICC rankings is shifting as well. Deepti Sharma and Annabel Sutherland have moved to second and third, respectively, following Ecclestone’s fall. England’s Lauren Bell made a remarkable jump of 13 positions after securing seven wickets in the West Indies series, while other players are also climbing the ranks, showcasing the dynamic nature of women’s cricket.
On the batting side, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews reached a career-best second place after an outstanding performance in the same series against England. Her remarkable form has her just shy of Australia’s Beth Mooney, highlighting the competitive spirit in women’s cricket.
Sadia Iqbal’s rise exemplifies not just her personal triumph but also the growing prominence of Pakistan in the women’s game. With the World Cup looming, the eyes of supporters everywhere will be on Iqbal and her teammates, who stand poised to turn their hard-earned rankings into dazzling success on the global stage.
Image Source: Sadia Iqbal @ Instagram
