CHELMSFORD, England (CMC) — West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews has surged to a career-best-equalling second place in the ICC Women’s T20I Batting Rankings following a stellar performance against England.

Matthews, crowned Player of the Series, dominated the three-match contest with 177 runs, highlighted by an unbeaten century in the opening game at Canterbury.

Her exploits propelled her past India’s Smriti Mandhana and Australia’s Tahlia McGrath, reclaiming the No 2 spot, a position she last held in December 2023.

Matthews now sits on 765 rating points, that is 29 points behind the number one ranked T20 batter, Beth Mooney of Australia.

Compatriot Deandra Dottin, who missed the England series, fell nine places in the ratings to sit in 20th position with 609 points.

Opener Quina Joseph fell 11 places to be in 40th position on 492 points.

Following the T20 series against England, Matthews credits her pre-series preparations for her success and ultimate ascent in the ICC rankings.

“I think just having some firm plans and playing to my strengths at all times has helped me a lot,” she said. “I feel like I’ve been fortunate enough to get to play a lot of T20 cricket around the world and gain a lot of experience. I’ve learned a lot more about my game and just put my plans into practice. Thankfully, since I’ve been here, I’ve been able to execute pretty well.”

Matthews and her West Indies team will now turn their attention to the One-Day International series against England, starting with the first of three matches at Derby on Friday.