Pakistan captain Babar Azam has re-entered the top 10 of the ICC Men’s Test batter rankings for the first time since early September 2024, ending a drought of nearly two years outside the elite group. The Pakistan captain rose five places to reach 10th on the updated list after his side claimed an eight-wicket result in the second match against the West Indies.
Babar was central to the triumph, striking 88 in the first innings before finishing unbeaten on 24 in the second innings to help wrap up the chase. He was not alone in benefiting from the result, with recalled batter Abdullah Shafique and right-arm spinner Sajid Khan both recording significant climbs on the updated ICC rankings.
How did Abdullah Shafique and Sajid Khan shape the Test result?
Shafique was the standout performer with the bat across the match. Coming in at number three, he compiled an unbeaten 160 in the first innings, an innings that earned him a jump of 25 places in the ICC Test batter rankings to move to 32nd on the updated list.
Sajid Khan was equally influential with the ball. The right-arm spinner was the pick of Pakistan’s bowling attack during the Test and was rewarded with a rise of five places to 30th in the Test bowler rankings. He also moved five spots to 32nd in the Test all-rounder rankings, reflecting his overall contribution to the win.
At the summit of the overall Test rankings, Australia’s Travis Head holds the number one position among Test batters. India’s pace spearhead leads the Test bowler rankings, while Ravindra Jadeja retains the top spot in the Test all-rounder standings.
What movement occurred in the ODI rankings?
The same rankings update brought notable shifts in the ODI charts, driven by two recent fixtures between Afghanistan and Ireland. Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the standout mover among ODI batters, climbing three places to 11th after posting 71 in Belfast. His compatriot Hashmatullah Shahidi also benefited, rising four slots to 50th in the ODI batter rankings.
Ireland all-rounder Curtis Campher made his return to the ODI batter rankings, re-entering in equal 59th place after coming back to the ODI arena. Among ODI bowlers, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan extended his advantage at the top of the list following consecutive Player of the Match awards. Ireland pacer Mark Adair also returned to the ODI bowler rankings, re-entering in 17th place.
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