New ICC T20I rankings: Saim Ayub storms back to top of all-rounders list

WEB DESK: Pakistan opener Saim Ayub has surged back to the top of the ICC Men’s T20I All-Rounder Rankings following a series of commanding performances in Pakistan’s recent home series against Australia.

Ayub’s return to the No 1 position comes on the back of Pakistan’s emphatic 3-0 whitewash of Australia, where the left-hander delivered impactful contributions with both bat and ball. He scored 119 runs and claimed three wickets across the series, doing enough to dislodge Zimbabwe veteran Sikandar Raza from the summit of the all-rounders’ standings.

The rankings update arrives at an opportune moment for Pakistan, just days before the start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on February 7. The 2009 champions will be hoping Ayub’s form translates onto the global stage as they push for a second world title.

Ayub was not the only Pakistan player to make notable gains in the latest rankings. Right-arm spinner Abrar Ahmed climbed two places to second on the T20I bowlers’ list after taking six wickets in three matches against Australia. Abrar now trails India’s Varun Chakravarthy, the top-ranked bowler, by just 28 rating points.

Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz also enjoyed a significant rise, jumping eight places to seventh among T20I bowlers following a decisive five-wicket haul in the final match of the series. Nawaz further strengthened his all-round credentials by moving up one spot to fourth on the T20I all-rounders’ list.

In the batting rankings, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha made a notable leap, climbing 12 places to 29th, while Ayub also improved his standing among batters.

Elsewhere, India’s Abhishek Sharma retained his commanding lead at the top of the T20I batting rankings, with Jos Buttler, Pathum Nissanka, Suryakumar Yadav and Tim Seifert all registering minor gains inside the top 10.

With momentum firmly on their side, Pakistan will take confidence from the rankings boost heading into the World Cup.