Hayley Matthews climbs to career-best rankings

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has soared to a career-high second place in the ICC Women’s T20 International Batting Rankings following a commanding display against England in their recently concluded series.

Matthews, who was named Player of the Series, amassed 177 runs across the three-match contest, including an unbeaten century in the opening game at Canterbury. Her dominant performance not only helped anchor the West Indies batting but also propelled her back to the No. 2 spot in the world rankings—her highest position to date and a return to the top tier she last occupied in December 2023.

With 765 rating points, Matthews now sits just 29 points behind Australia’s Beth Mooney, who remains the top-ranked T20I batter globally. Her surge in the rankings saw her leapfrog India’s Smriti Mandhana and Australia’s Tahlia McGrath.

Reflecting on her recent form, Matthews attributed her success to clear planning and growing experience. “I think just having some firm plans and playing to my strengths at all times has helped me a lot,” she said following the series. “I’ve been fortunate to play a lot of T20 cricket around the world. I’ve learned more about my game and how to execute my plans. Thankfully, since I’ve been here, I’ve been able to execute pretty well.”

The 26-year-old Barbadian all-rounder has become a cornerstone of the West Indies women’s team, both with the bat and as captain. Her ability to lead from the front has been crucial for a side navigating a transitional period in international cricket.

However, it was a mixed week in the rankings for her teammates. Former star batter Deandra Dottin, who did not feature in the England series, slipped nine places to 20th with 609 points. Meanwhile, opener Quina Joseph also lost ground, falling 11 places to 40th with 492 points.

Matthews’ ascension highlights her growing stature in the women’s game, particularly in the shortest format where her consistency and aggressive style have caught the attention of fans and analysts worldwide. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, her current form could prove vital for the West Indies’ ambitions on the global stage.

As the rankings update sends a strong message about Matthews’ elite status, the spotlight will remain firmly on her as she continues to evolve into one of the most formidable players in international women’s cricket.