ICC Men's Rankings: Imam, Shaheen rise meteorically; Rabada falters
What's the story
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the updated ICC Men's Rankings for ODIs and Tests post the Pakistan-Australia series. Pakistani batter Imam-ul-Haq has risen by seven spots in the ODI rankings for batters. Left-arm quick Shaheen Shah Afridi has had advancements in both ODI and Test rankings. SA pacer Kagiso Rabada has lost his Test ranking to Jasprit Bumrah. Here are more details.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Pakistani cricketers have procured higher spots in the ICC Rankings, notably Imam-ul-Haq and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi. Imam smashed 298 runs against the Aussies in the 50-overs matches, beating a number of legends with the most runs in a three-match series. Shaheen excelled in both ODIs and Tests. He pocketed 9 scalps in whites. Meanwhile, he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker in ODIs (6).
Batting
Imam takes the ICC ODI Rankings by storm!
Babar Azam (891) and Virat Kohli (811) occupy the top two berths. Imam (795) ranks third, having gained seven places. Rohit Sharma (791) and Quinton de Kock (789) are followed by a recently retired Ross Taylor (775). Jonny Bairstow (775), Rassie van der Dussen (769), and David Warner (750) haven't had any shifts either. Aaron Finch (745) is seated tenth, having lost three places.
Bowling
Pakistan pacer Shaheen moves to seventh
Kiwi quick Trent Boult (726) has stayed the same. Meanwhile, English pacer Chris Woakes (700) has replaced Aussie seamer Josh Hazlewood (698) to rank second. Matt Henry (683), Mujeeb Ur Rahman (681), and Jasprit Bumrah (679) fill the next three positions. Shaheen (671) grabs the seventh spot. Mehidy Hasan Miraz (661) and Shakib Al Hasan (657), and Rashid Khan (650) follow in order.
Bowling
ICC Test Rankings: Bumrah, Shaheen rise; Rabada falters
Pat Cummins (901) and Ravichandran Ashwin (850) have stayed still. Meanwhile, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah (830) has interchanged places with SA quick Kagiso Rabada (827) to occupy the third spot. Shaheen Afridi (827) too has risen by a position to rank fifth. Meanwhile, Kyle Jamieson (820), Tim Southee (790), Neil Wagner (777), James Anderson (765), and Josh Hazlewood (752) haven't undergone any changes.