ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi has secured the top spot in the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings, with Babar Azam already leading as the top-ranked ODI batsman, marking a significant achievement just months ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) in its recent ratings placed Afridi as the top pacer in the 50-over format after he took eight wickets in three matches at an average of 12.62 during Pakistan’s recent series victory over Australia.
It is pertinent to mention that Afridi moved up three spots and took the premier slot from South African spinner Keshav Maharaj, while Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan remained at the second position.
Pakistan's star pacer reclaims No. 1 position in the ICC Men's ODI Bowling Rankings 🤩https://t.co/hQnUEyAaD0
— ICC (@ICC) November 13, 2024
The Pakistani bowler has previously first held the No.1 position through last year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in its post on X said, “Shaheen Afridi reclaims the No. 1 position in the ICC ODI bowling rankings!, both Babar Azam and Shaheen occupy the top spot in the ODI batting and bowling rankings, respectively.”
.@iShaheenAfridi reclaims the No. 1 position in the ICC ODI bowling rankings! 🦅🥇
Both @babarazam258 and Shaheen occupy the top spot in the ODI batting and bowling rankings, respectively 🌟🌟 pic.twitter.com/H5aRaca7oF
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 13, 2024
The 24-year-old was the joint-highest wicket-taker of the tournament, alongside Australia spinner Adam Zampa. The left-arm pacer grabbed 16 wickets in seven matches, including an outstanding five wicket-haul that came against Australia in Bengaluru.
He also completed 100 ODI wickets in the same game, becoming the fastest pace bowler to do so by getting to the milestone in 51 games, surpassing Mitchell Starc’s tally of 52 appearances for the three-figure mark.
Afridi’s bowling counterpart, Haris Rauf, also saw a major boost, jumping 14 spots to climb to 13th position after an impressive r 10-wicket haul and Player of the Series award against Australia. As per ICC ratings Naseem Shah advanced 14 positions to claim 55th place.
For ODI batters, Mohammad Rizwan reached to 23rd position after his consistent performances against Australia, while Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also entered the 23rd spot. In ODI bowling, Gudakesh Motie of the West Indies moved to 14th, while Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz rose to 23rd.
Meanwhile, England’s Phil Salt advanced to second in the T20I batting rankings, while teammates Jos Buttler and Nicholas Pooran also made strides.
Among bowlers, Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga scaled to second, while West Indies’ Akeal Hosein and India’s Ravi Bishnoi secured spots in the top 10.
