ISLAMABAD: Pakistan captain Babar Azam returned to the top 10 of the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) Test batting rankings, while Abdullah Shafique and Sajid Khan also made significant gains following Pakistan’s strong series against the West Indies.
Babar climbed five places to reach 10th in the Test batting rankings after a strong performance in the second Test.
The Pakistan captain scored 88 in the first innings and remained unbeaten on 24 in the second as Pakistan secured an eight-wicket victory.
The rise marked Babar’s return to the Test batting top 10 for the first time since early September 2024.
Abdullah Shafique made the biggest jump among the Pakistani batters.
The number three batter climbed 25 places to 32nd after scoring an unbeaten 160 in the second Test.
Off-spinner Sajid Khan also moved up five places to 30th in the Test bowling rankings following his impressive performances against the West Indies.
Sajid gained five places in the Test all-rounders’ rankings as well, moving to 32nd.
Pakistan defeated the West Indies in the two-match Test series after winning the second Test by eight wickets.
The victory also marked Pakistan’s first Test win overseas in more than three years.
Test Rankings
Australia’s Travis Head retained the top position among Test batters.
India’s leading fast bowler remained at the top of the Test bowling rankings, while Ravindra Jadeja continued to hold the number one position among Test all-rounders.
Gurbaz, Rashid Rise in ODI Rankings
The latest ODI rankings also saw movement following Afghanistan’s matches against Ireland.
Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz climbed three places to 11th among ODI batters after scoring 71 against Ireland in Belfast.
His teammate Hashmatullah Shahidi moved up four places to 50th.
Ireland all-rounder Curtis Campher returned to the rankings at 59th.
Afghanistan captain and leg-spinner Rashid Khan strengthened his position at the top of the ODI bowling rankings.
Rashid claimed six wickets in the second match against Ireland and was named Player of the Match in two consecutive games.
Ireland fast bowler Mark Adair also returned to the ODI bowling rankings at 17th.
The latest rankings reflect strong individual performances during Pakistan’s Test series against the West Indies and the recent ODI matches between Afghanistan and Ireland.
