Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi Lead Pakistani Players in ICC Test Rankings

Pakistan-In the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings, released on Wednesday, several Pakistani cricketers have seen notable improvements in their positions. Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan have all made significant strides in their respective categories, reflecting their recent performances on the field.

Babar Azam, the prolific Pakistani batsman, has moved up one place to secure the 11th spot in the Test batting rankings. His steady ascent in the rankings underscores his consistent form and skill as a top-order batsman. Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan, known for his role as a wicketkeeper-batsman, has also advanced by one position, now holding the 9th spot. Rizwan’s rise in the rankings highlights his significant contributions both behind the stumps and with the bat, reinforcing his reputation as one of the leading wicketkeeper-batsmen in Test cricket.

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In the bowlers’ rankings, Shaheen Shah Afridi has reasserted his presence among the top ten bowlers. The left-arm pacer has reclaimed a position in the top 10, now standing at 10th with 709 rating points. Afridi’s return to the top echelons of the rankings is a testament to his skill and impact as a fast bowler, making him a key player in Pakistan’s bowling attack.

On the international stage, Sri Lanka has made headlines with their recent Test series against England. In a remarkable turn of events, Sri Lanka achieved their first-ever Test victory over England on English soil in the third Test of their recently concluded series. This historic win has led to several Sri Lankan players reaching new career-high rankings, reflecting their standout performances during the series.

Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva, middle-order batsman Kamindu Mendis, and opener Pathum Nissanka were instrumental in their team’s success. De Silva, in particular, delivered a notable performance in the first innings of the Test, scoring a stylish 69 runs. This innings has significantly contributed to de Silva’s rise in the rankings, as he has moved up three places to achieve a career-best ranking of 13th among Test batters. De Silva’s elevation to the top 15 signifies his growing stature in international cricket and highlights his crucial role in Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.

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The victory over England also saw England’s top batsman, Joe Root, retaining his position as the No.1 ranked Test batter. Despite struggling in the third Test with scores of just 13 and 12, Root maintains his lead at the top of the rankings. However, his rating has decreased from 922 points to 899 points. This reduction in his rating has allowed other top players, including New Zealand’s Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell, as well as Australia’s Steve Smith, to close the gap and put additional pressure on Root’s position.

England’s Harry Brook has experienced a fall in the rankings, moving down seven places to 12th after his underwhelming performance in the series against Sri Lanka. Brook’s scores of 19 and three during the Test have impacted his ranking, reflecting the challenges faced by players in maintaining consistent performances at the highest level.

Other notable movements in the rankings include Sri Lankan fast bowler Lahiru Kumara, who has risen 10 places to the 32nd position, and Milan Rathnayake, who has surged 26 spots to share the 84th position. England’s Olly Stone has also seen an improvement, moving up 13 places to 74th following his three wickets in the first innings of the Test.

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Overall, the latest ICC Test rankings highlight the dynamic nature of international cricket, with players constantly vying for top positions based on their performances. The improvements for Pakistani players Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan reflect their ongoing contributions to their team’s success. Simultaneously, Sri Lanka’s historic victory over England has elevated several of their players in the rankings, underscoring their significant achievements in recent matches.

As cricket fans and analysts closely follow these rankings, the ongoing shifts and updates serve as a reminder of the sport’s competitive nature and the continuous efforts of players to excel at the highest level.

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