As women’s cricket gains more strength globally, so does betting on their matches on the top betting sites. Furthermore, choosing the top players for 2023 becomes quite challenging. SportsDanka.com brings you the best players in women’s cricket ranking as of 2023.
1. Mithali Raj
With a remarkable tally of over 8,000 runs and still counting, Raj has been a batting powerhouse for India since her debut in 1999 against Ireland, where she marked the occasion with a century. At 19, she shattered the world record by scoring 214 against England in a Test match. Leading India to their inaugural World Cup final in 2005, she holds the record for captaining India in the most women’s matches. Her significance to the team became evident during the 2000 World Cup when India faced challenges after her illness. Unsurprisingly, she’s dubbed the “Tendulkar of Indian women’s cricket” due to her prolific run accumulation.
2. Sophie Devine
Sophie Devine is a skilled cricketer from New Zealand, making a mark with her versatile performances. Born September 1, 1989, in Wellington, she has left a lasting impact on international and domestic cricket. As an all-rounder, Devine has notably represented the New Zealand women’s national cricket team, showcasing her prowess as a powerful batter and an effective pace bowler. Her aggressive playing style and adaptability to different game formats have solidified her position as a key player for the White Ferns.
A significant aspect of Sophie Devine’s cricket journey is her consistent excellence across various formats. Her batting skills shine through in quick runs during limited-overs cricket, with notable performances in T20 internationals. Beyond her batting, Devine’s valuable contributions with the ball, securing crucial breakthroughs, highlight her well-rounded abilities. As a respected leader, she has also taken on the role of captain for the New Zealand women’s team, adding another dimension to her cricketing story. Sophie Devine’s unwavering commitment to the sport and her impact on the global stage has firmly established her legacy as one of New Zealand’s cricketing icons, inspiring aspiring players and earning admiration from fans worldwide.
3. Meg Lanning
Australia’s captain is a seasoned winner with an impressive track record. She debuted internationally in 2011 and, at just 18 years and 288 days old, became the youngest Australian to score a century in her second game. The following year, she set the record for the fastest Australian century in ODIs, achieving it in just 45 balls against the New Zealand White Ferns.
In 2014, at 21, she became the youngest woman to captain the Australian side. Known for her calm and collected leadership, she has guided the team to success in all formats, including a Commonwealth Games gold.
4. Sarah Taylor
Starting her cricket journey in 2006, Sarah Taylor showcased unprecedented wicketkeeping skills. A key player for England’s national team, she played a pivotal role in securing World Cup victories in 2009 and 2016. Taylor earned several accolades, including IT20 Women’s Cricketer of the Year in 2012 and 2013 and ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year in 2014. Notably, she made history in Australia as the first female to participate in men’s grade cricket. After her retirement in 2019, Taylor made a comeback to the field, representing The Hundred’s Welsh Fire in 2021.
5. Shashikala Siriwardene
Sheshikala Siriwardene led Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team in WODI matches, boasting a unique record of 100 wickets and 1000+ runs, unmatched by any other female cricketer in the country. In T20Is, she secured 77 wickets for Sri Lanka during her illustrious 17-year international career from 2003 to 2020.
Acknowledged as one of Sri Lanka’s finest women cricketers, she earned acclaim for her exceptional achievements and is recognized as one of the greatest female bowlers globally. Considered a maternal figure in Sri Lankan women’s cricket, Siriwardene captained the team in the Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2009 and 2013.
Having attended Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte school after graduating from President’s College, she played a pivotal role in two World Cup campaigns. Despite facing injury concerns later in her career, she remained a crucial team member. Beyond cricket, she has worked as a human resources assistant at Slimline and has represented the Sri Lanka Navy in domestic competitions since 2011.
FAQs
Q: How is a cricket match structured?
A: A standard cricket match consists of two innings, with each team taking turns to bat and bowl. Each inning is further divided into overs, and each over consists of six deliveries (bowled by the same bowler).
Q: Can I bet on cricket?
A: Yes, betting on cricket is a popular activity, and various betting sites offer cricket betting options. However, it’s important to check the legal status of betting in your region and to gamble responsibly.
Q: What are the different formats of cricket?
A: Cricket is played in three main formats: Test cricket (lasting up to five days), One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 (T20) matches. T20 is the shortest format and typically lasts around three hours.
Q: What is a century in cricket?
A: A century in cricket refers to a batsman scoring 100 or more runs in a single innings. It is considered a significant achievement and reflects the batsman’s skill and endurance at the crease.
Q: What is the best cricket documentary?
A: Determining the “best” cricket documentary is subjective, depending on personal preferences. However, “Fire in Babylon,” “Edge of Glory,” and “Death of a Gentleman” are widely acclaimed for providing unique insights into the sport’s history, dynamics, and cultural impact.