Shaheen Afridi is Back at No.1! Pakistan Shines in ICC Rankings
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- November 13, 2024
- 4:14 pm
- 21
- Sports
Pakistan cricket is on a high, thanks to Shaheen Afridi’s return to the top of the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings. With a stellar performance against Australia, Afridi reclaimed the No.1 spot, marking a major achievement for Pakistan in what’s already shaping up to be a promising season. Afridi’s fierce bowling spell saw him bag eight wickets in three matches, with an astonishing average of 12.62. This comeback couldn’t have been better timed, especially with the ICC Champions Trophy just months away.
Shaheen’s rise bumps South African spinner Keshav Maharaj down to third, with Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan holding steady in second place. Afridi’s climb highlights Pakistan’s potential and brings new momentum to their ODI campaign. His efforts in the series against Australia, combined with a powerful Pakistani lineup, were key to Pakistan’s 2-1 series win – their first in Australia since 2002.
But Shaheen’s not the only one making waves. The team’s bowling strength is amplified by Haris Rauf, who jumped an impressive 14 spots to 13th in the rankings after a standout series performance. Rauf claimed the Player of the Series title with 10 wickets, averaging just 12.00. Naseem Shah, another integral part of Pakistan’s attack, also saw his ranking rise significantly, moving up 14 spots to a career-best 55th position. Together, these three have solidified Pakistan as one of the most formidable bowling lineups in the ODI format.
Pakistan’s bowling powerhouse doesn’t outshine its batsmen, though. Babar Azam, already the No.1 ODI batter, continues to lead from the front. He scored 80 runs across three matches against Australia, showing his class and consistency by remaining unbeaten in both of Pakistan’s victories. Babar’s stable presence in the batting lineup provides the foundation Pakistan needs, and his ability to hold his own against top bowlers gives the team confidence. With Babar’s continued form, Pakistan now has the No.1-ranked player in both batting and bowling, a rare and remarkable achievement.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan is steadily moving up the ranks as well. His performance in the series against Australia saw him rise to 23rd in the ODI batting rankings, a new milestone for the recently appointed captain. Rizwan’s captaincy debut proved impactful, as he helped Pakistan secure a historic series win in Australia. Rizwan’s consistency and leadership add depth to Pakistan’s batting lineup, which is becoming a crucial asset as the team sets its sights on the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan’s recent ranking boost signals a resurgence in their ODI ambitions, with top players excelling in both batting and bowling. The team’s dual dominance shows their readiness for upcoming challenges and makes them serious contenders in international cricket. With Pakistan securing these top rankings, they now hold a stronger position on the world stage, and the team is brimming with confidence heading into 2025.
