Hasan Ali Becomes The Top Ranked ODI Bowler, AB De Villiers Also Surges To The Top Of Batmen’s Chart
Oct 20, 2017 at 3:49 PM
The latest ICC rankings have witnessed changes of leadership in all ranking categories.
South Africa’s AB de Villiers has occupied the no.1 position in the ODI batsmen rankings, Pakistan rising fast bowling sensation Hasan Ali grabbed the top slot in the bowling chart while most importantly South Africa has toppled India to emerge as the new top-ranked ODI side after the latest updates carried out on Friday.
The latest rankings have included the first two matches the South Africa-Bangladesh series and the first three matches of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka series.
Both AB de Villiers and Hasan Ali were in headlines for their match-winning performances this week.
Hasan Ali snapped 5 for 34 in the third ODI against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi leading his side to a seven wickets win and take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. This performance gave him the decisive boost in ranking points and took him to numero uno position.
After the five-wicket haul, the 23-year-old, who was one of the key men involved in Pakistan’s victorious Champions Trophy campaign, has nine wickets in the series so far.
He moved up six places to become the 5th bowler to take up the top place in the ODI rankings this year. New Zealand’s Trent Boult, South Africa’s Imran Tahir and Kagiso Rabada and Australia’s Josh Hazlewood all led the bowling at one of the point time this year.
Meanwhile, AB de Villiers, who already has been the top-ranked ODI batsman in the world 13 times in his career, smashed a knock of 176 off just 104 in the 2nd ODI against Bangladesh in Paarl which propelled him to the top of the batsmen’s chart.
De Villiers has overtaken Australia’s David Warner and India skipper Virat Kohli in this process he was first crowned with the top position on 30 May 2010.
His knock, which featured 15 fours and seven sixes, came off only 104 balls and helped South Africa take a 2-0 winning lead in the three-match series while also edge ahead of India in the ICC ODI Team Rankings.
Mohammad Hafeez, who was reported as for suspect action a day ago, has once again become the top all-rounder overtaking the formidable Shakib Al Hasan. Hafeez first attained the top ranking in January 2013 and this the ninth time when he has managed to hold the top spot.
India look to regain top rankings
India has been left with the task of regaining their lost top place in the charts when they take on New Zealand in an upcoming three-match series. This requirement comes as a result of the shuffle which saw South Africa level with India with 120 points with the Proteas standing ahead of their sub-continental rivals by a margin of decimal points.
South Africa can reach 121 points if they manage to beat Bangladesh by a 3-0 series. India, however, would still have a chance to win back the top position if they win the opening match against New Zealand which is set to be played on the same day South Africa will play the final ODI of the series, on 22 October.
India will then have to win the series 3-0 to stay on the top spot.