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Pakistan ace speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi reclaimed the Number 1 ranking in the latest ICC Men's ODI Bowler Rankings ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy. The left-arm pacer regained in place for impressive his performance in the ODI series against Australia. Mohammad Rizwan-led side defeated hosts Australia in ODI series 2-1 to register the team's first win after 22 years on Australian soil.
In the three ODIs, Shaheen claimed eight wickets at an impressive average of 12.62, finishing as the series' second-highest wicket-taker. His performance saw him jump three spots to reach the No. 1 bowler ranking, surpassing South Africa’s experienced spinner Keshav Maharaj, with Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan maintaining his position in second place.
Shaheen first reached the No. 1 spot in the bowler rankings midway through last year’s ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in India.
Meanwhile, Shaheen’s teammate Haris Rauf soared 14 places to 13th in the rankings, achieving a new career-high rating after his 10 wickets and Player of the Series award against Australia.
Their fellow bowler, Naseem Shah, also reached a career-best position, moving up 14 spots to tie for 55th. Shaheen’s rise has now ensured that Pakistan boasts the top-ranked players in both batting and bowling in ODI cricket.
Former captain Babar Azam strengthened his hold at the top of the ODI batting rankings, following his 80-run contribution against Australia, where he was dismissed only once over the three matches.
Pakistan's new captain, Mohammad Rizwan, also climbed two spots to share 23rd position among ODI batters after scoring 74 runs in the series against Australia.
Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto moved up 11 places to join Rizwan in 23rd, while Afghanistan’s all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai also rose, reaching 31st position on the batting list.
In the ODI bowlers' rankings, West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie advanced to 14th, and Bangladesh's Mehidy Hasan Miraz jumped nine places to share the 23rd position.
Afghanistan’s experienced player Mohammad Nabi remained the top-ranked ODI all-rounder, while Mehidy climbed to fourth and Omarzai moved up to ninth in the latest rankings.
Pakistan are currently preparing for the upcoming Champions Trophy which is scheduled to take place next year where Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are supposed to be the hosts of the marquee event but as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided not to send team India to the neighbouring nation for the marquee event there are chances that the tournament will be played in hybrid model or in South Africa.
