Babar Azam Drops in ICC T20 Batters Ranking, Maintains Top Position in ODIs

Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam has witnessed a decline in the latest ICC T20I batters rankings, slipping to the fifth position with 755 rating points. This drop comes after his less-than-stellar performances in the second and third T20Is against New Zealand. Despite the setback in the T20I format, Azam has managed to maintain his top position in the ODI rankings.

In the T20I rankings, India's Suryakumar Yadav continues to lead the pack with an impressive 861 rating points, followed by England's Phil Salt in second place. Pakistan's wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan holds steady at the third position with 800 rating points. South Africa has made a significant impact on the rankings, with three players securing spots in the top ten.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has climbed two spots to secure the 17th position among T20I bowlers globally. Afridi's standout display in the second match against New Zealand, where he claimed figures of 3/13, significantly contributed to Pakistan's victory and his rise in the rankings.

In the all-rounder rankings, Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan occupies the top spot, while England spinner Adil Rashid leads the bowling charts. None of Pakistan's bowlers have managed to break into the top ten rankings, with Afridi being the highest-ranked Pakistani bowler at 17th.

Why this matters: The ICC rankings serve as a benchmark for evaluating the performance and consistency of players across different formats of the game. Babar Azam's drop in the T20I rankings highlights the competitive nature of international cricket and the constant need for players to maintain their form. The rankings also showcase the rise of emerging talents and the dominance of certain teams in specific formats.

The latest ICC rankings reflect the dynamic nature of the game, with players from various countries showcasing their talent and vying for the top positions. While Babar Azam may have experienced a slight dip in his T20I ranking, his consistent performance in the ODI format solidifies his status as one of the premier batsmen in world cricket. As the cricket season progresses, fans and experts alike will closely monitor the rankings to witness the rise and fall of players and teams on the international stage.

Key Takeaways

• Babar Azam drops to 5th in ICC T20I rankings after poor performances
• Suryakumar Yadav retains top spot, Rizwan at 3rd in T20I rankings
• Shaheen Afridi climbs to 17th position among T20I bowlers globally
• No Pakistani bowler in top 10 T20I rankings, Afridi highest at 17th
• Rankings reflect dynamic nature of cricket, players' form and consistency