Shaheen Shah Afridi tops ICC ODI Bowler Rankings after stellar series win in Australia. Pakistan now boasts top-ranked ODI batters and bowlers.
In an incredible feat for Pakistan cricket, Shaheen Shah Afridi has restored his status as the top-ranked bowler in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings. His recent rise follows an excellent performance in Pakistan’s historic ODI series victory over Australia, their first win on Australian soil in 22 years. The squad, captained by Mohammad Rizwan, won the series 2-1, with Shaheen playing a key role in their win.
Shaheen’s outstanding bowling performance saw him take eight wickets in three ODIs, averaging a staggering 12.62 runs per wicket. He finished as the series’ second-highest wicket-taker, trailing only teammate Haris Rauf, who was voted Player of the Series for his remarkable ten-wicket performance.
Haris Rauf’s outstanding success also propelled him to a career-high 13th place in the ODI bowler rankings, a 14-spot improvement. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s developing fast bowler Naseem Shah reached his own milestone, moving up 14 places to equal for 55th spot, highlighting Pakistan’s potent bowling assault ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan’s domination extends beyond bowling. Babar Azam, Pakistan’s former captain and batting genius, is the best ODI batter, cementing his standing with an 80-run performance in the series. Babar was only removed once in three matches, adding to his already impressive credentials and cementing his position as the world’s best ODI batter.
Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s new ODI captain, also climbed the rankings, moving up two places to share 23rd among batters. Rizwan’s composed 74-run record in the series has boosted his ranking, cementing Pakistan’s position as a major contender as they prepare to host the Champions Trophy next year.
In other major developments, Bangladesh’s Najmul Hossain Shanto moved up 11 spots to join Rizwan in 23rd place, while Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai climbed to 31st among ODI batters. Gudakesh Motie of the West Indies moved up to 14th place in the bowling rankings, while Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz advanced nine places to 23rd.
Pakistan’s bowling powerhouse, bolstered by Shaheen’s return to the top, now places the team in an enviable position with both the top-ranked bowler and batsman in the world. As the team gears up for the Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faces logistical uncertainties, with India’s reluctance to play in Pakistan. The tournament may follow a hybrid model or shift entirely to South Africa if a compromise is not reached.
With Pakistan’s bowlers and batters at the top of their game, fans and analysts alike are keenly watching as the team heads toward the highly anticipated Champions Trophy. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s resurgence as the world’s No. 1 ODI bowler marks a significant moment for Pakistan cricket, reflecting the squad’s commitment and skill as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
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