Shaheen Afridi regains the top position in the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings.

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi has supplanted South African spinner Keshav Maharaj to ascend to the position of the number one bowler in the most recent International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings, released on Wednesday.

Pakistan, led by newly-appointed captain Mohammad Rizwan, triumphed against Australia in the third ODI by eight wickets in Perth, securing their inaugural series victory in Australia since 2002.

The visitors lost the initial match of the three-match series by two wickets; however, they executed a remarkable comeback to secure the series 2-1.

As a result, Pakistani players achieved notable advancements in the most recent ICC ODI Rankings, with Shaheen Afridi regaining the premier position among bowlers.

Afridi demonstrated his bowling skill against Australia, securing eight wickets in three matches at an impressive average of 12.62, leading to a three-position ascent in the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings.

The left-arm bowler has previously occupied the number one position momentarily during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 in India.

After his ascent, Pakistan currently occupies the first position in both batting and bowling rankings in ODI cricket, with Babar Azam reinforcing his dominance among hitters.

Azam accumulated 80 runs in three innings against Australia, being dismissed only once and hitting the decisive boundary in both of Pakistan’s triumphs.

Haris Rauf, honoured as Player of the Series, ascended 14 positions to attain his career-high 13th rank in the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings, with 618 rating points.

The right-arm fast bowler took 10 wickets in the three-match series with an amazing average of 12.00.

Naseem Shah, having claimed five wickets in the series, ascended 14 positions to attain the 55th rank.