Home Pakistan Vs Australia Series Afridi Reclaims No. 1 ODI Bowler Spot Hasaranga Soars in T20I Rankings

Afridi Reclaims No. 1 ODI Bowler Spot Hasaranga Soars in T20I Rankings

Afridi Reclaims No. 1 ODI Bowler Spot Hasaranga Soars in T20I Rankings (2)
Listen to this article

In a thrilling update from the ICC rankings, Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi has reclaimed his position as the No. 1 bowler in One Day Internationals (ODIs), marking a double victory for Pakistan alongside Babar Azam, who continues his reign as the top ODI batter. Afridi’s recent performance, which includes a remarkable eight wickets at an average of 12.62 in three matches against Australia, has propelled him past competitors such as Kuldeep Yadav, Rashid Khan, and Keshav Maharaj.

Wanindu Hasaranga also made significant gains in the T20I rankings, where he moved up to the No. 2 spot among bowlers, following an impressive series against New Zealand. Meanwhile, England’s Phil Salt jumped to second place among T20I batters, while India’s Sanju Samson’s 50-ball century against South Africa has seen him climb an impressive 27 positions.

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Remarkable Rise to No. 1 ODI Bowler

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s return to the pinnacle of the ODI bowling rankings represents his second ascent to the top. Known for his fearsome pace and swing, Afridi has cemented himself as a world-class bowler capable of swinging games single-handedly. His recent series against Australia demonstrated just that; his eight wickets not only showcased his ability to dismantle top-order batting but also came at a crucial juncture for Pakistan as they prepare for upcoming international fixtures.

Afridi’s success is no accident. Since making his ODI debut, he has developed into one of the most feared pacers, with a deadly combination of speed, control, and an unrelenting competitive spirit. Afridi’s dedication to his craft is evident in his meticulous approach to mastering seam positions, lengths, and angles to confound batsmen. His recent rankings surge pushed Keshav Maharaj down to third and Kuldeep Yadav to fourth, as Afridi became the first Pakistani bowler to achieve the No. 1 ranking in ODIs since 2023.

Afridi Reclaims No. 1 ODI Bowler Spot Hasaranga Soars in T20I Rankings (5)

Babar Azam Solidifies His Lead as No. 1 ODI Batter

In addition to Afridi’s stellar ascent, Babar Azam continues to hold a comfortable lead as the No. 1 ODI batter. Azam’s consistency and class have been integral to Pakistan’s success in the limited-overs format. His recent scores of 37, 15*, and 28* in the ODI series against Australia, although modest by his high standards, further widened the gap between him and his closest competitors: India’s Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli. His elegant batting style, marked by pristine cover drives and impeccable timing, has set him apart in the ODI format.

Babar’s lead as the No. 1 batter reinforces his status as one of the finest players of his generation, and he is only the second Pakistani batter, after Zaheer Abbas, to consistently stay on top of the ODI charts.

Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah Rise Now in ODI Bowling Rankings

In addition to Afridi, Pakistan’s pace arsenal saw more good news, with Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah making significant leaps in the rankings. Rauf’s 10 wickets against Australia earned him the Player of the Series award, lifting him 14 places to 13th. Known for his aggressive pace and ability to bowl in the death overs, Rauf has emerged as a key asset for Pakistan, providing crucial breakthroughs when needed. Naseem Shah, another exciting prospect in Pakistan’s bowling lineup, also climbed 14 spots to reach a career-best 55th place, showcasing Pakistan’s depth in fast bowling talent.

Rising Allrounders Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi and Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz

The ODI series between Afghanistan and Bangladesh provided some notable movement in the allrounder rankings. Mohammad Nabi of Afghanistan, who delivered a consistent performance across the series, retained his position as the No. 1 ODI allrounder, while his teammate, Rashid Khan, rose to third. Rashid, known for his lethal leg-spin, also demonstrated his prowess with the bat, proving valuable in both disciplines. Another Afghan allrounder, Azmatullah Omarzai, rose two places to No. 9, underscoring Afghanistan’s growing influence in international cricket.

Afridi Reclaims No. 1 ODI Bowler Spot Hasaranga Soars in T20I Rankings (1)

Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz also climbed in the rankings. Taking three wickets and scoring a crucial 66 in the third ODI against Afghanistan, Miraz’s all-around performance lifted him to No. 4 among ODI allrounders. This upward movement in the rankings not only highlights the strength of Afghanistan and Bangladesh’s players but also reflects the increasing competitiveness in the ODI format.

T20I Rankings Hasaranga, Samson, and Salt Make Major Gains

Wanindu Hasaranga Rises to Second in T20I Bowling

Sri Lanka’s spin wizard Wanindu Hasaranga, with his potent leg-spin, continues to impress on the T20I circuit. His remarkable series against New Zealand, where he took 6 wickets for 37 runs, catapulted him to the No. 2 position among T20I bowlers, just behind England’s Adil Rashid. Hasaranga’s ability to spin the ball both ways, combined with his pinpoint accuracy, makes him a formidable opponent, particularly in T20 cricket, where batsmen are often forced to take risks.

Phil Salt Secures Second Spot in T20I Batting Rankings

The England batter Phil Salt has also risen significantly in the T20I batting charts, moving up to the second spot. Salt’s explosive style of batting, characterized by his powerful hitting and quick footwork, has made him a valuable asset for England in T20Is. His performance against the West Indies in the ongoing series has propelled him past other competitors, placing him just behind Travis Head in the rankings.

Sanju Samson’s 50-Ball 107 and Meteoric Rise in T20I Rankings

India’s Sanju Samson world famous has also made headlines in the latest ICC rankings. Known for his elegant yet aggressive style, Samson scored a blazing 107 off just 50 balls in the first T20I against South Africa, his second consecutive century in T20I. This stunning innings saw him jump an impressive 27 spots to 39th in the T20I batting rankings. Samson’s talent and ability to perform under pressure have made him a strong candidate for India’s T20I squad. South African players Reeza Hendricks and Tristan Stubbs also made gains, with Hendricks moving up two places to 12th and Stubbs jumping 12 spots to 26th. Both players have displayed resilience and skill, particularly in high-stakes matches, helping to establish South Africa’s standing in T20I cricket.

T20I Bowling Rankings Akeal Hosein and Ravi Bishnoi Move Up

In T20I bowling, West Indies’ Akeal Hosein saw a notable rise to third place following his impressive performances against England. Known for his economical bowling and ability to control runs, Hosein has become an integral part of the West Indies’ T20I setup. Meanwhile, India’s Ravi Bishnoi also moved up in the rankings, climbing to seventh after taking four wickets in two games against South Africa. Bishnoi’s skill with leg-spin adds depth to India’s spin attack, making him a valuable asset in the T20 format.

The Growing Competitiveness of ICC Rankings Across Formats

The recent ICC rankings update reflects a period of intense competition and remarkable performances from players across formats. The emergence of Shaheen Afridi as the top ODI bowler and Wanindu Hasaranga’s ascension in T20Is demonstrate the importance of consistent performances on the international stage. The rankings also highlight the depth of talent in teams like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, whose players are pushing boundaries in both batting and bowling categories. For fans and analysts alike, these rankings provide insight into the evolving dynamics of international cricket. The rise of players like Afridi, Rauf, Hasaranga, Salt, and Samson illustrates how players from different cricketing backgrounds are making their mark on the global stage.

A Bright Future for International Cricket

The current ICC rankings not only celebrate individual performances but also represent the shifting landscape of international cricket, where competition is fierce and players are continually improving. With Shaheen Afridi leading the ODI bowling ranks and Babar Azam solidifying his position as the premier ODI batter, Pakistan cricket finds itself in an enviable position. Meanwhile, players like Hasaranga, Salt, and Samson are reshaping the T20I format, ensuring that fans can expect high-caliber performances across all formats.

These rankings serve as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that define cricket. As the game continues to grow globally, the rise of players from diverse cricketing nations underscores the sport’s universal appeal. Whether it’s Afridi’s pace, Hasaranga’s spin, or Samson’s powerful batting, the ICC rankings reflect the best of cricket’s thrilling evolution on the world stage.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here