Newly crowned No1 T20I bowler Sadia Iqbal credits Pakistan legend Sana Mir
Dubai, May 27 (UNI) Left-arm orthodox spinner Sadia Iqbal dethroned England's Sophie Ecclestone to take the top spot in the new ICC Women's Player Rankings.
The Pakistan tweaker, who was one of the leading performers at last year's ICC Women's T20 World Cup, rose one position to reign supreme.
Basking in the moment, the 29-year-old expressed delight and thanked those who have played a part in her journey.
'I've become the number one ranked T20I bowler, I'd like to thank everyone who is celebrating this achievement, I've received a lot of calls and messages,' Iqbal said in a Pakistan Cricket Board
video.
'I'm glad that everyone is happy for me and appreciative of my achievement,' she said.
The left-arm spinner lauded former Pakistan skipper Sana Mir for helping her through with her bowling, an ICC report said.
'She (Sana Mir) obviously had a lot of experience in women's cricket. The way she's served Pakistan cricket, she has been number one bowler during her days," Iqbal said.
'I used to keep talking to her while we were on tour regarding bowling different variations," she said.
'Even when we were at the World Cup, I had a really good conversation about bowling with her. She helped me a lot," Iqbal said.
Iqbal played a pivotal role in Pakistan's flawless run at the recent ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier, helping the team punch their ticket to the marquee event in India later this year.
Snapping nine wickets in five matches, Iqbal's efforts guided Pakistan to an invincible campaign at home - one she hopes they can repeat come the Cricket World Cup.
'World Cup is the biggest event, we've secured our qualification recently. Our goal is to play the way we did in the Qualifier," she said.
'We'll look to pick from where we ended that tournament, and hope to finish the World Cup the same way," Iqbal added.
On her personal goal moving forward, she added, 'For me, the team always comes first. And that helps me as well as the team. My goal is to help my team win the World Cup.'
Pakistan Women secured their qualification spot for the eight-team tournament alongside Bangladesh via the Qualifier at home. They'll vie for the top prize against defending champions Australia, England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, South Africa and hosts India.
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