Babar Azam’s Lead in ICC ODI Batting Rankings Narrows as Batters Close In

In a thrilling development at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, the race for the number one ODI batter ranking has heated up as several star players make their move. Babar Azam, the Pakistan skipper and current number one in the MRF Tyres ODI Batting Rankings, now faces stiff competition, with his lead reduced to just six rating points.

Babar Azam, despite his impressive performance at the Cricket World Cup, has seen his total rating points drop to 829. He has accumulated 157 runs from five innings, with his latest standout being a gritty 74 in a losing match against Afghanistan in Chennai.

Shubman Gill from India, one of the standout performers of the tournament, has made significant strides. Gill has scored 95 runs from just three matches, propelling him to 823 rating points. His brilliant innings of 53 against Bangladesh in Pune showcased his immense talent.

Gill is not the only contender challenging Babar’s reign. South Africa’s Quinton de Kock has emerged as a strong contender, securing the third place in the ODI batting rankings. De Kock’s phenomenal World Cup journey includes three magnificent centuries.

Virat, Warner at 5; Klaasen leaps 7 places

Heinrich Klaasen, another South African, has leaped seven places to claim the fourth position, marking a new career-high rating. Virat Kohli and David Warner share the fifth spot, both improving their rankings by three and two places, respectively, owing to their stellar performances in India.

Meanwhile, consistent middle-order performer Daryl Mitchell from New Zealand has climbed an impressive 16 places to secure the 13th position, amassing 268 runs from four matches in the World Cup.

Shami closing in on the number one spot

In the bowlers’ department, Australia’s Josh Hazlewood continues to maintain a narrow lead in the ODI bowler rankings. However, challengers are closely trailing, with India’s Mohammed Siraj occupying the second spot after picking up six wickets from five appearances at the World Cup.

South Africa‘s spinner, Keshav Maharaj, has risen to the third position, reaching a career-high rating due to his impressive seven-wicket haul in the tournament. Afghanistan‘s Mohammad Nabi and Australia‘s Adam Zampa also made significant progress, securing the sixth and seventh positions in the top 10.

Bangladesh‘s captain, Shakib Al Hasan, retains his lead in the ODI rankings for all-rounders. South Africa’s Marco Jansen, who is in excellent form, has jumped an impressive 23 places and shares the 11th position with Scotland’s Michael Leask.

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