Imam-ul-Haq And Haris Rauf Move Up In ICC Rankings Following Impressive Show In 1st ODI Against Afghanistan

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq and tearaway fast bowler Haris Rauf have risen in the ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings following the victory against Afghanistan in the first ODI. Imam-ul-Haq and fast bowler Haris Rauf impressed with their performances in the 142-run victory in the series opener.

Imam-ul-Haq scored a half-century in a low-scoring encounter in Hambantota on Tuesday, August 22. The left-handed batter scored 61 runs off 94 deliveries as the Men in Green put up a total of 201 runs. Iftikhar Ahmed (30) and Shadab Khan (39) contributed crucial runs in Pakistan’s innings.

Haris Rauf picked up five wickets for just 18 runs in Afghanistan’s innings. The right-arm pacer troubled the opposition batters with his fiery spell. He was named Player of the Match. Shaheen Afridi (2/9), Shadab Khan (1/0), and Naseem Shah (1/12) guided the team to a convincing victory.

Imam-ul-Haq and Haris Rauf Move Up In ICC Rankings

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam retained his place at the top of the ODI batter’s rankings despite a duck in the first ODI. Meanwhile, Imam moved to third place in the rankings after scoring his 17th ODI half-century. Fakhar Zaman moved down two places to reach fifth place in the rankings.

Haris Rauf rose seven places to a career-high rating, reaching 36th place following his blistering five-wicket haul for Pakistan. Mujeeb Ur Rahman moved up three places to reach third place. Veteran spinner Mohammad Nabi gained a solitary spot to reach 11th place with a rating of 620 points.

Ruturaj Gaikwad Enters Into Top 100 In T20I Rankings

New Zealand batter Mark Chapman jumped eight places to 24th place on the list of T20I batter rankings. Chapman was the leading run-getter in the T20I series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), scoring 126 runs in three innings with an average of 43 and a strike rate of 134.38.

Indian opener Ruturaj Gaikwad climbed into the top 100, securing 87th place following his 58-run knock in the second T20I against Ireland in Dublin. Young leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi advanced by 17 places to equal 65th, while star pacer Jasprit Bumrah jumped seven spots to attain 84th rank.

Also read: AFG vs PAK: Naseem Shah Jokingly Credits Afghanistan’s Bowlers For Improved Batting Performance During Series Opener