In a remarkable turn of events, India's fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has soared to the top of the ICC ODI Rankings for bowlers. This significant leap comes in the wake of his outstanding performance in the Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka. The latest rankings, released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on September 20, saw Siraj ascend from the 9th position straight to the zenith.
Before the Asia Cup final, Siraj had accumulated 637 points. However, his heroics in the final propelled him to a staggering 694 points, clinching the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings. This places him 16 points ahead of Australia's Josh Hazlewood, who has now been relegated to the 2nd position.
The Asia Cup 2023 final, held on September 17 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, witnessed a masterclass from Siraj. In a mere 7 overs, he claimed 6 wickets, ending with an extraordinary figure of 6 for 21. This devastating spell was instrumental in skittling out Sri Lanka for a paltry 50 runs, the lowest ever in an ODI tournament final.
The highlight of Siraj's performance was a particular over where he decimated the Sri Lankan top-order, bagging 4 wickets. With the ball swinging both ways under the Colombo clouds, he joined the elite club of bowlers, including Lasith Malinga and Chaminda Vaas, to achieve this feat in an over. Moreover, his 6 for 21 is the fourth-best figure by an Indian in ODI cricket.
This isn't Siraj's maiden stint at the top. He previously held the No. 1 position in January 2023, following a commendable series against Sri Lanka on home turf.
The current ICC ODI Rankings for Bowlers are as follows
Mohammed Siraj - 694 rating points
Josh Hazlewood - 678
Trent Boult - 677
Mujeeb Ur Rahman - 657
Rashid Khan - 655
Concluding the Asia Cup 2023, Siraj emerged as India's leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps, just one behind the tournament's top bowler, Matheesha Pathirana.
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