Babar Azam has returned to the top 10 of the ICC Test batting rankings after Pakistan’s series victory over the West Indies.
The Pakistan captain moved up five places to 10th in the latest rankings. It marks his first return to the Test batting top 10 since September 2024.
Babar’s rise followed a strong performance in the second Test. He scored 88 runs in the first innings and remained unbeaten on 24 in the second.
Pakistan secured an eight-wicket victory in the match. The result also ended the country’s wait of more than three years for an overseas Test win.
Abdullah Shafique Makes Major Rankings Jump
Babar was not the only Pakistani batter to climb the Test rankings. Abdullah Shafique also made a significant move after his impressive performance against the West Indies.
Shafique scored an unbeaten 160 in the first innings of the second Test. As a result, he jumped 25 places to reach 32nd among Test batters.
His latest performance has given Pakistan another notable presence in the upper half of the Test batting rankings.
Sajid Khan Also Climbs in Test Rankings
Pakistan spinner Sajid Khan also improved his position in the latest rankings.
Sajid moved up five places to 30th among Test bowlers. He also climbed five places to 32nd in the Test all-rounders’ rankings.
The rankings movement reflects Pakistan’s strong performance during the West Indies series.
Travis Head, Bumrah Retain Top Rankings
Australia’s Travis Head retained the top position among Test batters. Meanwhile, India’s Jasprit Bumrah remained first among Test bowlers.
India’s Ravindra Jadeja also retained the number one position among Test all-rounders.
The latest changes therefore saw Pakistan’s players make notable gains without affecting the leading positions.
Changes in ODI Rankings
The latest ICC rankings also brought changes in the ODI category following Afghanistan’s two matches against Ireland.
Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz climbed three places to 11th among ODI batters. He made the move after scoring 71 runs in Belfast.
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi also improved his position. He moved up four places to 50th among ODI batters.
Ireland all-rounder Curtis Campher returned to the ODI rankings in joint 59th place.
Rashid Khan Strengthens ODI Bowling Lead
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan further strengthened his position at the top of the ODI bowling rankings.
Rashid was named Player of the Match in both matches of the series against Ireland. He also claimed six wickets in the second match.
His performances helped reinforce his position at the top of the ODI bowling rankings.
Ireland fast bowler Mark Adair also returned to the ODI bowling rankings. He entered the list at 17th position.
The latest rankings highlight several notable movements across Test and ODI cricket. For Pakistan, Babar’s return to the Test top 10 stands out after the team’s successful West Indies series.
