SA bowler Khaka displaces India's Jhulan Goswami in ICC rankings

Jun 21, 2022

SA bowler Khaka displaces India's Jhulan Goswami in ICC rankings Image

After dominating performances during their recent ODI series sweep over Ireland, South Africa's stylish opener Laura Wolvaardt and seasoned quick Ayabonga Khaka have achieved significant gains in the latest ICC ODI Player Rankings. 

Wolvaardt's brilliant 89 in the third and final match in Dublin came at the perfect time, propelling the right-hander over Australia captain Meg Lanning and into fourth place in the newest batters rankings. Alyssa Healy of Australia remains at the top of the rankings with 785 points.

It was the only change in the top ten for hitters, but fellow South African Lara Goodall, who was the series' highest run-scorer with 143 runs, jumped 15 places to 43rd after an unbeaten 93 in the second match. 

Khaka, meanwhile, made the most impact on the bowler rankings, jumping two places to fifth after a superb series against Ireland. 

While Khaka only took two wickets in the series, the right-armer was nearly unplayable for many of Ireland's inexperienced hitters, finishing with an economy rate of only 1.40 for the three games.

Khaka moved ahead of India's Jhulan Goswami, who dropped to sixth place, and veteran teammate Marizanne Kapp, to fifth place in the newest bowling rankings, behind first-placed England spinner Sophie Ecclestone. 

Sune Luus, the captain of South Africa, has climbed four places to ninth position in the all-rounder standings. Nat Sciver of England is still the best all-rounder in the world.

Following their outstanding performances in the second game, Ireland's Sophie MacMahon (up 31 ranks to No.95) and Georgina Dempsey (up 56 spots to No.90) were among the top gainers in the batters table. Dempsey also improved his standing on the all-rounders' rankings, climbing 22 ranks to 80th. 

However, Arlene Kelly, who made gains across departments, is the highest mover from the Irish camp. She rose 52 places to No.146 in the batting order, 58 places to No.90 in the bowling order, and 53 places to No.94 in the all-rounders order.