ISLAMABAD: Pakistani batters continue to dominate the ICC T20I Batting Rankings as the International Cricket Council (ICC) released the updated listing of batters, bowlers and all-rounders across all three formats of cricket on Wednesday.
Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam, who retained his number one ranking in the Men’s ICC ODI Batting Rankings, and his opening batting partner Mohammad Rizwan, are arguably considered the best opening pair in T20I cricket currently.
The two openers were prolific in leading the Men in Green to a historic victory over India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 match that took place last year in Dubai. Pakistan’s Babar and Rizwan chased India’s 152-run target without losing a single wicket, a feat no other Pakistani opening batting pair has achieved before.
In the ICC T20I Men’s Batting Rankings, Babar Azam retains the top spot with 805 points while Rizwan follows in closely behind at number two with 798 points. Rizwan has a very short lead of two points over South African batter Aiden Markram, who has 796 points to his credit.
Babar Azam also dominates the ODI Men’s Batting Rankings with 873 points while former Indian T20I captain Virat Kohli follows him behind with 811 points. Pakistan’s left-handed batter Fakhar Zaman is the only other Pakistani to feature in the top 10 ODI batter’s rankings. Zaman is the ninth-best batter in ODIs with 741 points above England’s Joe Root.
Babar Azam also features in the top 10 Test batters, ranked at number 9 on the list with 750 points.
Pakistan’s all-format captain will have his hands full next month when the Men in Green take on a full-strength Australian squad for a complete series. Australia are scheduled to tour Pakistan for the first time in over 24 years.
Pakistan will play three Test matches, three ODIs and one T20I against Australia in March and April 2022 before the Australian team departs on April 6.
Babar Azam, Rizwan continue Pakistan’s domination in ICC’s T20I Batter’s Rankings
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Babar Azam, Rizwan continue Pakistan’s domination in ICC’s T20I Batter’s Rankings
- Babar Azam retains number one spot in ICC T20I and ODI Batter’s Rankings
- Mohammad Rizwan retains number two spot in ICC T20I Batter’s Rankings
Rajkovic excels as Al-Ittihad cruise to victory against Al-Shabab
- Al-Ittihad secure fifth Saudi Pro League win of the season with a 2-0 victory
JEDDAH: It has not been the start to the season that Al-Ittihad fans had anticipated. Nevertheless, on their return to Saudi Pro League action after a 36-day hiatus, the defending champions delivered a performance that offered renewed confidence ahead of a demanding run of seven matches in the space of 30 days.
The opening exchanges proved far from straightforward for The Tigers.
Attempting to play out from the back, they were punished within the first two minutes as Abdullah Matuq pounced on a mistake to find himself one-on-one with Predrag Rajkovic, only for the Serbian goalkeeper to produce the first of several crucial saves. Just 60 seconds later, Rajkovic was called into action again, this time denying a header from a corner.
Momentum soon shifted. Roger Fernandes began to cause problems down the left wing, his quick footwork getting the better of Al-Shabab’s defence before he delivered a low cross into the box. Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, aided by Karim Benzema’s intelligent screening of Saad Balobaid, met it to open the scoring in the 16th minute.
Al-Ittihad came close to doubling their advantage in the 28th minute. Mohannad Al-Shangeeti struck the far post with a powerful effort, before his follow-up attempt narrowly missed the target, drifting wide of Marcelo Grohe’s goal.
Grohe was later called upon to keep Al-Shabab in the contest, producing a fine save in the 58th minute to deny Benzema after the Frenchman was released by a perfectly weighted pass from Steven Bergwijn.
Al-Ittihad continued to dominate possession, though Imanol Alguacil’s side managed to limit Fernandes’ influence by committing extra defensive cover on the left flank.
That adjustment failed to account for Al-Shangeeti’s runs from deep, as he surged down the right to find Bergwijn, who finished first time to seal the contest for the hosts in the 85th minute.
Late substitute Abdulaziz Al-Bishi thought he had added a third in the closing stages, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
The win lifts Al-Ittihad into sixth place on 17 points, while Al-Shabab remain just two points above the relegation zone, extending their winless run to eight matches since their Matchday 2 victory over Al-Hazem.
