Babar Makes Big Leap in Latest ICC Test Rankings

News Desk 

Islamabad: Pakistan’s recent Test success in the West Indies has brought a major boost to its players in the latest ICC Test rankings, with Babar Azam making his return to the top 10 after nearly two years.

The Pakistan Test captain climbed five places to reach 10th among Test batters following a strong performance in the second Test. Babar scored 88 in the first innings and remained unbeaten on 24 as Pakistan completed an eight-wicket victory.

The latest ranking marks Babar’s first return to the Test batting top 10 since September 2024.

Abdullah Shafique was another major beneficiary of Pakistan’s victory. The opener jumped 25 places to 32nd after producing a match-defining unbeaten 160 in the first innings of the second Test.

Spinner Sajid Khan also made notable gains, moving five places to 30th among Test bowlers. He climbed five spots as well in the Test all-rounders’ rankings, reaching 32nd.

Pakistan’s eight-wicket win over the West Indies also ended a wait of more than three years for an overseas Test victory, making the rankings boost an added reward for the team’s performance.

At the top of the Test batting rankings, Australia’s Travis Head retained his position, while India’s Jasprit Bumrah remained No. 1 among bowlers and Ravindra Jadeja continued to lead the all-rounders’ list.

The latest ODI rankings also featured movement following Afghanistan’s series against Ireland. Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz rose three places to 11th after scoring 71 in Belfast, while Hashmatullah Shahidi moved four spots to 50th.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan strengthened his grip on the No. 1 ODI bowling position after consecutive Player of the Match performances against Ireland, including a six-wicket haul in the second game.

Ireland’s Mark Adair also returned to the ODI bowling rankings at 17th, while all-rounder Curtis Campher re-entered the rankings at joint 59th.