ODI Rankings: Babar Azam's No.1 spot in danger as Shubman Gill narrows the gap

Babar Azam (L) and Shubman Gill (R).
Babar Azam (L) and Shubman Gill (R).

Highlights:

ICC Men's ODI All-rounder Rankings, the top 10 remain unchanged.

As the cricketing world gears up for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, India's talented opener, Shubman Gill, clinches the second spot in the ICC ODI Rankings for batters, trailing Pakistan's skipper Babar Azam by a mere 18 points. Babar, with an impressive 857 ranking points, maintains his numero uno position, while Gill stands strong with 839 points. Rassie van der Dussen ranks third with 743 points. Babar's teammate, Imam-ul-Haq, witnesses a slight shuffle as he descends one position to rank fifth with 728 points.

In the MRF Tyres ICC Men's ODI All-rounder Rankings, the top 10 remain unchanged. Bangladesh's cricketing icon, Shakib Al Hasan, continues to dominate this segment, boasting 349 ranking points. He is closely followed by Nabi, who holds 302 ranking points.

Australia's Glenn Maxwell, after making a roaring comeback post-injury, stands as a towering figure not just in the all-rounder rankings but also as Australia's beacon of hope for the World Cup. Maxwell's splendid performance against India, especially his 4/40 bowling figures in the third ODI, demonstrates his formidable form. This performance propelled him upwards by 10 positions, settling him at the 11th spot in the all-rounder rankings.

The competition heats up in the ICC Men's ODI Bowling Rankings with Mohammed Siraj and Josh Hazlewood co-occupying the top spot. Both pacers are locked at 669 ranking points. Siraj's recent performance, where he conceded 68 runs in nine overs against Australia, saw him shedding 11 points. This particular match saw Australia setting a challenging total of 352/7, marking a crucial victory for them. On the other side, Hazlewood showcased consistency, retaining his 669 points after bagging 2/42 in eight overs against India in the same match.

In conclusion, as teams prepare for the grand ICC ODI World Cup 2023, rankings offer a glimpse into individual performances and form. Players like Shubman Gill and Glenn Maxwell are showcasing their peak form, ensuring a thrilling tournament ahead. The rankings also serve as a reminder that the competition is not just between teams, but also among individuals striving for excellence in their respective domains. With such top-tier performances and tight competition, the upcoming World Cup promises unmatched excitement for cricket enthusiasts around the globe.

 

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