Pakistani fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has reached the prestigious number one spot in the ODI bowling rankings, marking his first time at the top position in any format of cricket.

Notably, this achievement is a historic moment in Pakistan’s cricket history, as it marks the first instance where both the top spots in the batting and bowling rankings are held by Pakistani players. Captain Babar Azam has maintained his top ranking in the ODI batting rankings for over a year, and now, Shaheen Shah Afridi has attained his career-best ranking in ODI bowling, securing the top position. This is a remarkable accomplishment for Pakistan’s cricket team and a source of pride for cricket fans in the country.

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Here are the ODI batting rankings:

Despite not delivering his best performance in the current mega event, top-ranked batter Babar Azam continues to maintain a high rating of 818, largely due to his consistent achievements over the years that have kept him at the top of the rankings.

On the other hand, Shaheen Afridi’s outstanding performance in the 2023 World Cup has earned him 673 points, propelling him to the top position in the bowling rankings. He showcased his exceptional bowling skills with a memorable performance against Australia, where he secured a five-wicket haul. With a total of 16 wickets to his name, he currently shares the position of the leading wicket-taker in the tournament. Shaheen Afridi’s remarkable displays in the World Cup have played a pivotal role in his rise to the top of the bowling rankings.

In a significant achievement, Shaheen Afridi made history during the recent match against Bangladesh by becoming the fastest bowler to reach 100 wickets in just 51 matches, surpassing the record previously held by Australian pacer Mitchell Starc. This remarkable milestone underscores Shaheen Afridi’s exceptional bowling prowess and further solidifies his status as a standout performer in the world of cricket.

With two crucial matches remaining against New Zealand and England, Shaheen Afridi still has the opportunity to maintain his impressive bowling form and make significant contributions to Pakistan’s campaign in the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Captain Babar Azam, despite not delivering his best in the tournament, is on the cusp of equalling Saeed Anwar’s record of 20 centuries, with his current tally standing at 19 centuries in his career. Fans are eagerly awaiting a resurgence from Babar Azam, hoping to witness his exceptional batting skills in action. The ultimate goal is not only to secure a spot in the semifinals but also to capture the World Cup title for Pakistan, and a strong performance from Babar Azam would be instrumental in achieving this aspiration.