DUBAI: Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exceptional performance in the recently concluded three-match series against Australia has propelled him to the No. 1 position in the ICC Men’s ODI Bowler Rankings.
Meanwhile, star batsman Babar Azam retained his No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings.
This is seen as a major boost for Pakistan cricket ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 Champions Trophy, with skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf also making significant gains in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings.
Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed eight wickets across the three games at an impressive average of 12.62, which helped him regain the top spot in 50-over cricket.
The 24-year-old fast bowler is now nine rating points clear of second-placed Rashid Khan in the rankings.
Afridi had previously held the No. 1 bowler ranking midway through last year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India.
Haris Rauf, who also played an important role in the series win against Australia, jumped 14 places in the ICC rankings to secure the 13th spot.
Rauf bagged the ‘Player of the Series’ award for claiming 10 wickets in three matches, which helped him rise to No. 13 in the ICC ODI rankings.
On the batting front, Babar Azam retained his No. 1 spot, having scored 80 runs at an average of 80 in the three games.
Under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, the ‘Men in Green’ won a historic ODI series against Australia, defeating the Kangaroos at home after 22 years.
