As the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India looms closer, two fast bowlers have ascended to the summit of the ODI Bowling Rankings, while an experienced Australian batsman has entered the top-10 of the Batting Rankings.
India’s express pacer, Mohammed Siraj, and Australia’s right-arm wizard, Josh Hazlewood, now share the apex in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings, following the latest update on the cusp of this prestigious ODI extravaganza.
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These two pace maestros are inseparable with 669 ranking points apiece. Siraj’s ranking witnessed an 11-point dip during the third ODI of the recent India-Australia series, aligning him with Hazlewood’s ranking.
Siraj made his return to the Indian lineup for the third ODI but faced a decline in his rankings after conceding 68 runs in nine overs, allowing Australia to compile a formidable 352/7, securing a crucial victory.
In the same ODI, Hazlewood maintained his ranking with figures of 2/42 in eight overs against India.
The upcoming World Cup will serve as a stage for these pacers to stake their claim for the top spot in the rankings, as India and Australia commence their campaign against each other on October 8.
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Afghanistan’s spin sorcery is also prominently represented in the ODI bowling rankings, with Mujeeb Ur Rahman ranked third with 657 ranking points and Rashid Khan positioned fourth with 655.
Shaheen Afridi, ranked sixth with 632 points, has climbed two spots among the leading ODI bowlers, trading places with Mitchell Starc, who has descended to eighth with 628 points.
These two left-arm strike bowlers are poised for an exhilarating showdown when Pakistan and Australia cross paths in the World Cup on October 20.
Furthermore, Mohammad Nabi (621) and Kuldeep Yadav (616) have swapped positions in the rankings, with the Afghanistan off-spinner surging into the top-10.
Kuldeep will have the opportunity to reclaim his top-10 ranking on India’s spin-friendly pitches.
Meanwhile, the Australian veteran, David Warner, has made remarkable strides within the top-10 of the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings. His outstanding performance, including a scintillating 56 runs from 34 balls in the third ODI, has propelled him two places higher, where he now shares the fourth spot with Ireland’s Harry Tector, accumulating 729 ranking points.
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Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam (857 ranking points), continues to occupy the top position, followed by Shubman Gill (839) and Rassie van der Dussen (743). However, his teammate, Imam-ul-Haq (728), has slipped one place to fifth.
There have been no changes within the top-10 of the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI All-rounder Rankings. Bangladesh’s stalwart, Shakib Al Hasan, remains at the helm with 349 ranking points, ahead of Nabi (302 ranking points).
Nevertheless, Glenn Maxwell’s resurgence on the international stage carries significant implications for both the all-rounder rankings and Australia’s prospects in the World Cup. Maxwell made an immediate impact in Australia’s World Cup opener against India, securing 4/40 and ascending ten places to 11th in the all-rounder rankings.
