Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) released its latest Men’s ODI and T20I Player Rankings, with major movements following Pakistan’s recent ODI series against Sri Lanka and South Africa, and New Zealand’s ongoing T20Is against West Indies.
Salman Ali Agha Hits Career-Best Ranking
Pakistan’s middle-order mainstay Salman Ali Agha was one of the biggest movers this week. His brilliant 105 off 87 balls in Rawalpindi against Sri Lanka powered Pakistan to a thrilling win and propelled him 14 places up to 16th position in the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings.
With 639 rating points, it’s the best-ever ranking of Salman’s ODI career, marking his rise as Pakistan’s most improved batter this season.
Saim Ayub and Haris Rauf Make Strides
Rising opener Saim Ayub also continued his strong form after a productive series against South Africa. Despite a quiet outing against Sri Lanka, his back-to-back half-centuries in the previous series saw him jump 18 spots to joint 35th in the ODI batting charts.
On the bowling front, Haris Rauf impressed with a fiery four-wicket haul in Rawalpindi, moving up three places to 28th in the ODI Bowling Rankings. It marked an encouraging return for the speedster, who was playing just his second international match since the Asia Cup Final.
Abrar Ahmed Continues His Rapid Rise
Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who did not feature in the Sri Lanka ODI, also made significant gains — rising 17 places in the bowling list. His jump comes on the back of his career-best 4/27 in the series decider against South Africa, which sealed Pakistan’s victory in that series.
Babar Azam Slips Despite Consistency
In contrast, Babar Azam slipped a few spots in the ODI batting rankings as consistent runs from teammates and global competitors edged him down. However, the former Pakistan skipper remains within striking distance of the top 10, maintaining his status as one of the most reliable ODI batters in world cricket.
Global Movers: De Kock and Hasaranga Impress
South Africa’s wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, who recently returned from a brief hiatus, made a statement with three consecutive fifties against Pakistan. His strong comeback saw him move up four places to 15th in the ODI batting charts.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga was once again among the top performers in both departments. His 3/54 with the ball and a fighting 59 with the bat in Rawalpindi helped him climb 14 spots to 116th in batting, while also moving up to ninth in bowling rankings. He continues to feature prominently among the top 10 ODI all-rounders globally.
T20I Rankings: Jacob Duffy Breaks Into Top Three
In the T20I format, New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy surged after his standout performances against West Indies. With six wickets in four games, Duffy rocketed six spots to No.3 in the ICC Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings, now sitting behind India’s Varun Chakaravarthy and Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan.
