The achievement follows a commanding 173-run innings from the Afghan batter, a display that saw him climb six places in the rankings. This significant rise allowed him to surpass several prominent international players, including India captain Shubman Gill, South Africa’s Aiden Markram, and Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis. This century marked his fifth in the Test format and his second of the current calendar year.
Broader Shifts in ICC Rankings
The latest update to the ICC rankings also highlighted progress for other international cricketers. Zimbabwe’s Craig Ervine moved up nine spots to 48th in the Test batting rankings after scoring an unbeaten double-century during the second innings of the drawn Sharjah Test.
Following the conclusion of the ICC World Test Championship series between the West Indies and Bangladesh, several players saw their standings improve. Kavem Hodge climbed 12 places to 52nd, while Towhid Hridoy entered the top 60 at 60th position. West Indies teammate Amir Jangoo recorded a notable jump of 28 places to reach 62nd. In the bowling department, West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican moved to equal 19th after his Player of the Series performance, while also advancing to 31st among all-rounders. Justin Greaves, also of the West Indies, moved up to share eighth place in the Test all-rounder rankings.
ODI Gains for Indian and New Zealand Bowlers
The ODI rankings saw significant movement following the opening matches of the series between India and New Zealand. Indian spinner Axar Patel surged 23 places to 21st among bowlers after taking 2/28 in Wellington. Arshdeep Singh climbed 11 spots to equal 31st following a four-wicket haul in Auckland, while Gurnoor Brar made a substantial leap from outside the top 100 to 48th, bolstered by his status as the series' leading wicket-taker with seven scalps.
New Zealand’s bowling attack also saw improvements, with Jacob Duffy moving up eight places to 43rd and Kyle Jamieson advancing 24 positions to 60th. These updates come as Afghanistan continues to build momentum in the international game, having recently reached their highest-ever position of sixth in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings following a successful tri-series against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.
