ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s left arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi reclaimed his number one spot in the ICC ODI Bowler Rankings, the cricket governing body announced on Wednesday, after a successful tour against world champions Australia this year. 

Afridi regained his place as the top bowler in the 50-over cricket format after he took eight wickets across three matches against Australia in the ODI series that concluded last week. Afridi, who recorded an impressive average of 12.62 during the three matches, helped Pakistan secure a 2-1 series win against the 2023 world champions. This was Pakistan’s first series win against Australia since 2002. 

The achievement helped Afridi move up three places and take the premier position from South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj, who was pushed down two spots to number three while Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan remains in second place. 

“Pakistan have received a boost just months out from the start of next year’s ICC Champions Trophy with news that pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi has re-claimed the No.1 ranking on the latest ICC Men’s ODI Bowler Rankings,” the ICC said in a report. 

Afridi has previously first held the number one bowler ranking midway through last year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India.

Meanwhile, fellow Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf improved 14 places to secure the number 13 spot, reaching a new career-high rating. Rauf was awarded Player of the Series against Australia after taking 10 wickets against the 2023 champions. 

“Afridi’s rise to the top means Pakistan now have the top-ranked player in both batting and bowling in ODI cricket, with former skipper Babar Azam increasing his lead at the top of the batter charts following 80 runs against Australia when dismissed just once,” the ICC said.

Pakistan will play their first of three T20I matches against Australia in Brisbane on Thursday.