
LAHORE — Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal has reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Women’s T20I bowling rankings, and she’s giving credit where it’s due — to former captain Sana Mir.
The ICC announced the new rankings on Tuesday, confirming that Sadia has overtaken England’s Sophie Ecclestone to become the world’s No.1 T20I bowler, a position she briefly held last year.
🙏 Gratitude to a Legend
In a heartfelt video message shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Sadia said,
“I’ve become the number one ranked T20I bowler. I want to thank everyone who’s celebrated with me — I’ve received so many calls and messages.”
She especially acknowledged the guidance and mentorship of Sana Mir, saying,
“I always used to ask for her advice during tours. She was a top bowler herself, and her experience helped me improve my bowling, especially when we talked during the World Cup.”
🔥 On the Rise
Sadia Iqbal recently delivered a standout performance in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifier, taking 9 wickets in 5 matches, helping Pakistan secure their spot in the main tournament.
She shared her confidence in the team’s progress:
“We qualified for the World Cup with strong performances. Now, we aim to continue that momentum in the main event.”
📉 Ecclestone Slips, Others Rise
Sophie Ecclestone, who previously held the No.1 spot, dropped to fourth after missing the West Indies series. Meanwhile, England’s Lauren Bell rose to sixth, with Linsey Smith and Issy Wong also climbing the charts.