After a year-long gap, Pakistani bowler Shaheen Afridi has re-emerged as the top-ranked ODI bowler in the world. This achievement comes as no surprise after his outstanding showing against Australia, where he claimed eight wickets at an impressive average of 12.62. This latest triumph further cements Pakistan's current dominance in ODI cricket, with both Afridi and Babar Azam holding the top rankings for bowling and batting, respectively. The recent series also proved to be a major boost for Afridi's teammates, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, who climbed up the rankings to 13th and 55th place, respectively, after their stellar performances.
Shaheen Afridi Regains Top Spot as ICC ODI Bowler, Pakistan Dominates ODI Rankings
Background
Pakistan's fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has been a revelation in recent years, rapidly rising through the ranks to become one of the most feared pacemen in the world. His exceptional performances in both Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket have earned him widespread recognition and acclaim.
Current Dominance in ODIs
After a brief absence due to injury, Afridi has made a triumphant return to the international arena. In a recent ODI series against Australia, he showcased his blistering pace and lethal swing, claiming eight wickets at an astounding average of 12.62. This impressive display has propelled him back to the summit of the ICC ODI bowling rankings, cementing his status as the world's premier ODI bowler.
Pakistan's ODI Supremacy
Afridi's resurgence coincides with Pakistan's continued dominance in ODI cricket. The team currently boasts the top-ranked players in both bowling and batting, with captain Babar Azam holding the top spot among batsmen. This dominance is a testament to Pakistan's depth and talent in the format.
Rise of Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah
The recent ODI series against Australia also proved to be a major boon for Afridi's teammates. Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah both showcased their potential, climbing up the ODI bowling rankings to 13th and 55th place, respectively. Their impressive performances provide Pakistan with a formidable pace attack and suggest a bright future for the team's bowling department.
FAQs
1. What is Shaheen Afridi's current ICC ODI ranking? Afridi is the top-ranked ODI bowler in the world.
2. How many wickets did Afridi take in the recent series against Australia? Afridi claimed eight wickets at an average of 12.62.
3. Who is Pakistan's top-ranked ODI batsman? Babar Azam is Pakistan's top-ranked ODI batsman.
4. Where did Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah rank after the series against Australia? Rauf climbed to 13th place, while Shah rose to 55th place in the ODI bowling rankings.
5. How long was Afridi out of action due to injury? Afridi was sidelined for approximately a year due to a knee injury.
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Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi has reclaimed the top spot in ICC ODI rankings after his impressive showing in the recent series against Australia. Along with Afridi, teammate Haris Rauf also jumped to a career-high 13th position in the rankings. Despite being demoted in their central contracts, Afridi and Rauf have proved their worth on the field, with Rauf also earning the Player of the Series award. Afridi's journey to the top has not been without setbacks, including a controversy during the T20 World Cup and losing the captaincy after one series loss. Rauf, on the other hand, had refused to play for Pakistan and his central contract was terminated before being restored.
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