Pakistan No. 1 in T20Is despite loss to Sri Lanka
What's the story
Pakistan endured a tough time in the just-concluded three-match T20I series at home against Sri Lanka, as they succumbed to a 0-3 whitewash. While the series win was a gain for Lanka, it did not do much damage to the hosts, as they continued to dominate the top spot in the ICC T20I Rankings, while there were minor shuffling in other rankings. Here's more.
Do you know?
Pakistan rank No. 1, Lanka rise to No. 7
With Pakistan occupying the top spot with 274 points, England are second, just eight rating points behind. Meanwhile, the whitewash has allowed Lanka to rise to the seventh spot with 241 points, as they replace Afghanistan, who are six points behind.
Player rankings
Pakistani players keep the individual ranking going
As far as the player rankings for Pakistan is concerned, there has not been much activity, as Babar Azam continues to remain the No. 1 T20I batsman. He had a dismal series after getting scores of 13, 3 and 27. Also, Imad Wasim, along with Shadab Khan, are placed in the second and fourth spots among the bowlers.
Lankan players
Lankan players drop in rankings despite series win
As for the Lankan players, the ones among the top in the rankings did not play in the series. Among batsmen, the top-ranked Lankan is Kusal Perera, who drops to the 38th spot. Meanwhile, among bowlers, Akila Dananjaya was the top-ranked one, having dropped to the 28th spot. Among all-rounders, Thisara Perera is the top-ranked player, as he has dropped to the 10th spot.
Next venture
Lanka and Pakistan travel to Australia
As of now, Pakistan would be taking some time off before they travel to Australia for a three-match T20I series, starting November 3. That will be followed by a two-match Test series, starting November 21. Lanka also travel Down Under for a three-match T20I series, from October 27. Both Pakistan and Lanka would be involved in a two-Test series in UAE in December 2019.