South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj has climbed back to the top of the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings after a match-winning spell against Australia, while Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi slipped outside the top 15.
The 35-year-old left-arm spinner was named Player of the Match in Cairns after picking up 5/33 in South Africa’s 98-run victory over Australia. The performance pushed Maharaj above India’s Kuldeep Yadav and Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana to reclaim the No.1 ranking, which he briefly held in late 2023.
Sri Lanka’s Theekshana moved to second place, while India’s Kuldeep dropped to third. West Indies pacer Jayden Seales also made headlines, surging 17 spots to 19th after his stunning 6/18 against Pakistan.
Pakistan bowlers struggle in new rankings
No Pakistani bowler features in the top 10 of the latest ICC ODI rankings. Shaheen Afridi fell two places to 16th, while young leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed rose 18 spots to joint 43rd following an impressive run of performances.
West Indies’ Roston Chase also moved up seven places to 67th, continuing the Caribbean rise in the bowling charts.
