Pakistani batters Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Imam-ul-Haq have showcased their prowess by securing the top four positions in the latest ICC ODI batting rankings released. Pakistani batters securing top positions is a great news for Pakistan team ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup to be held in India starting from October 5. Azam leads the chart with 886 points, Zaman has maintained a high standing, while Imam-ul-Haq’s recent performances pushed him to the fourth spot.
Imam-ul-Haq demonstrated his batting prowess in the final three matches of the recently concluded ODI series against New Zealand. Delivering two half-centuries and ending the series with a stylish 90-run knock, he managed to amass a total of 174 runs, boasting an impressive average of 58. His outstanding performances in the last three matches led to him climbing to the fourth spot in the latest ODI batting rankings.
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However, South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen is the only non-Pakistani player who managed to find a spot among the Pakistan trio, securing the second position. Despite his success, he is still 109 rating points behind the top-ranked Babar Azam.
Babar Azam, the Pakistani skipper, further strengthened his position at the pinnacle of the ODI rankings by adding another century to his tally in the fourth match of the series. Currently, he is leading the chart with an impressive 886 points.
The 4-1 series victory over New Zealand has led to significant progress for many Pakistani cricketers in the latest rankings updated by the ICC. Among those who gained the most are the pace trio Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Wasim.
Rauf emerged as the highest wicket-taker in the series, securing nine wickets and consequently improving his position by nine places to 42nd in the ODI bowler rankings. Meanwhile, Wasim jumped into the top 100 and is now ranked 69th after taking six wickets in just three games.
Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s bowling ace, not only claimed eight wickets during the series but also impressed with his batting. His unbeaten knock of 23 in the fourth game helped him ascend eight spots to 36th in the ODI all-rounders list.
New Zealand players were not left without recognition either. Pacer Matt Henry climbed one spot to fourth on the bowler rankings due to his eight-wicket haul against Pakistan, maintaining a respectable economy rate of 5.68. Stand-in captain Tom Latham ascended eight spots to a joint 21st on the batting rankings after amassing 282 runs in the series. Additionally, Will Young’s impressive 87-run inning in the series finale in Karachi resulted in him shooting up 24 places to 75th.
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