Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi Becomes World No.1 ODI Bowler, Babar Azam Holds Top Spot in Batting

Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Afridi has achieved the prestigious World No.1 position in the latest ICC ODI bowling rankings. Afridi’s stellar performance in Pakistan’s historic series victory against Australia propelled him three positions upward, placing him above South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj, who dropped to third, while Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan retained the second spot.

Afridi, who had briefly held the top rank during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, demonstrated his prowess by taking eight wickets at an impressive average of 12.62 across the series. His efforts helped Pakistan clinch a 2-1 series win against Australia. Haris Rauf, named Player of the Series for his standout performance, leaped 14 places to secure a career-best 13th rank. Naseem Shah, another rising star in Pakistan’s bowling lineup, advanced 14 spots to a shared 55th position.

Pakistan’s presence at the top of ICC rankings is further solidified by their batting lineup. Star batsman Babar Azam retained his No.1 position in the ODI batting rankings, extending his lead over India’s Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli. Azam scored 80 runs in three matches against Australia, only being dismissed once.

Additionally, Pakistan’s newly-appointed white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan made strides in the batting rankings, rising two places to a joint 23rd position after scoring 74 runs in three innings during the Australia series.

With Afridi and Azam leading the ICC rankings in bowling and batting respectively, Pakistan’s ODI team is enjoying a golden period, displaying remarkable form and setting the stage for further success in the international arena.