Babar Azam remains world’s No 1 batter in ODI rankings

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Former skipper Babar Azam continued to hold the top position in latest ODI rankings released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday.

The celebrated player maintained the top spot with 824 points while Indian batters Shubman Gill (801), Virat Kohli (768) and Rohit Sharman (746) are standing at the second, third and fourth positions respectively.

Sri Lanka player Charith Asalanka jumped five places to 15th overall following his unbeaten 97 in the second match of the series, Pathum Nissanka improved 10 spots to 18th after his double century in the series opener, while Sadeera Samarawickrama climbed six rungs to 41st due to a stylish half-century.

Meanwhile, a new player crowned at the top of the ODI all-rounder rankings following a superb century against Sri Lanka.

Shakib Al Hasan’s reign at the top is over after Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi claimed the No.1 spot on the latest ICC Men’s ODI All-Rounder Rankings.

Shakib held the premier position in 50-over cricket for 1739 days – from 7 May 2019 (when he took over from Rashid Khan) until 9 February 2024 — the longest unbroken stretch anyone has had on top of the ODI all-rounder rankings. But an ongoing injury concern coupled with some good recent form from Nabi has seen a change at the top.

There is little to no change at the top of the Test rankings, with Kane Williamson increasing his lead at the top of the list for batters after a pair of centuries in the first Test against South Africa and India quick Jasprit Bumrah still at the head of proceedings for bowlers.

Kiwi pacer Kyle Jamieson did make some ground on Bumrah following six wickets for the match in that Mount Maunganui contest with the Proteas, with the right-armer jumping six places to eighth overall in an impressive performance.

Jamieson also moves up two places to 13th on the list for Test all-rounders after a contribution of 8* with the bat against South Africa, with India’s Ravindra Jadeja still leading the way comprehensively in that category.