Daryl Mitchell Rated as Best ODI Batter

Daryl Mitchell has become the first Kiwi since Glenn Turner in 1979 to reach the top of the ICC Men’s ODI batting rankings. Such rankings carry a level of subjectivity that don’t accurately reflect the true match specific contribution, but as a pure statistical benchmark it is nice to see one of our very own recognised for his consistency and performances.

His ascent to the top rung comes on the back of a masterful 119 off 118 balls at Hagley Oval in Christchurch against the West Indies, an innings that not only secured victory but also nudged him ahead of India’s Rohit Sharma by a single rating point. For a player who has built his career on hard graft and steady growth rather than early fanfare, it’s a richly deserved reward.

“We don’t play the game for the accolades, but after finding out about the rankings, I thought it was a really special moment,” Mitchell said after hearing the news. “Credit really goes to the guys around me, the coaching staff, and my family - without them, you can’t do what you do.”

Mitchell’s achievement echoes the era of Turner while distinguishing him from greats like Nathan Astle, Ross Taylor, and Kane Williamson, all of whom climbed as high as third in the rankings. His rise is further proof that determination, adaptability, and belief can elevate a player to the world stage, even in the later stages of a career.

Mitchell also sits among the top 10 in Test cricket (8th), with Kane Williamson the highest-ranked Kiwi at 3rd, and Tim Seifert and Tim Robinson sitting in 10th and 15th in the T20I batter rankings.

It’s not just Mitchell driving a golden stretch for cricket in New Zealand. In the men’s T20I format, Jacob Duffy has surged to second in the ICC bowling rankings. His consistency and strike-taking ability throughout recent series, particularly his standout spells at home, have made him one of the most dangerous short-format bowlers currently operating. With Duffy at No. 2 and climbing, and Mitchell Santner sitting 7^th in the ODI bowling rankings, New Zealand now boasts genuine potency with the ball to complement Mitchell’s newly crowned status with the bat.

Alongside the men thriving on the global stage, New Zealand’s women continue to assert their presence in the ICC rankings with a blend of experience and emerging talent. Sophie Devine remains a force across formats, ranked No. 7 in the ODI batter rankings, while Amelia Kerr continues to impress at No. 6 among ODI all-rounders. Jess Kerr and Leah Tahuhu maintain their climb within the top tier of ODI bowlers, ranked No. 13 and 14 respectively, and Suzie Bates remains 8th among the recognised threats in T20I batting.

Together, these performances across both the men’s and women’s games speak to a broader strength within our game and across our members. With established stars peaking and emerging players making progress, New Zealand finds itself in an exciting period for the game.