Saim Ayub surpasses Hardik Pandya to become No.1 all-rounder in T20Is

The ICC released its weekly rankings on Wednesday, October 1, and there was a major shake-up in the T20I all-rounder standings. Pakistan opening batter Saim Ayub has overtaken Team India cricketer Hardik Pandya to claim the number one spot in the ICC Men’s T20 All-Rounder Rankings for the first time.

Pakistan suffered a five-wicket defeat against India in the Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 28. Saim Ayub scored 14 runs off 11 balls before being dismissed in the summit clash. Notably, Pakistan lost all three matches against the Suryakumar Yadav-led team.

Saim Ayub Claims No. 1 Spot in Latest ICC Men’s T20I All-Rounder Rankings

Saim Ayub has claimed the No. 1 spot in the latest ICC Men’s T20I All-Rounder Rankings. The 22-year-old has 241 points, climbing four positions and surpassing notable players such as India’s Hardik Pandya, Mohammad Nabi, Sikandar Raza, and Dipendra Airee.

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Hardik Pandya slipped one spot to second with 233 points but could regain the top ranking in the upcoming T20I series against Australia, provided he is fit to play, as injury concerns loom.

Other all-rounders also advanced in the rankings this week. Pakistan spinner Mohammad Nawaz moved up four places to 13th, while Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka rose three spots to share 30th place.

Saim Ayub’s Bowling Heroics Propel Him Above Hardik Pandya

Saim Ayub had disappointing outings with the bat in the continental tournament. The left-handed batter scored just 37 runs in seven innings, including four ducks. However, he impressed with his bowling in the tournament.

Saim took eight wickets in seven matches at an average of 16 and an economy of just 6.40. He was sometimes unplayable with the ball, and the ICC rewarded his performance by awarding him a jump in the T20I all-rounder rankings.

On the other hand, Hardik Pandya missed the final due to injury. He had very limited opportunities to bat, scoring 48 runs at an average of 16 with a strike rate of 120. With the ball, he managed only four wickets in six matches at an economy of 8.57, with best figures of 1/7.

Abhishek Sharma Claims No. 1 Spot in Latest ICC Men’s T20I Batting Rankings

India opener Abhishek Sharma has risen to the top of the ICC Men’s T20I Batter Rankings, reaching a record-breaking 931 rating points. Sharma surpassed the previous record of 919 points set by former England batter Dawid Malan in 2020.

Sharma leads England opener Phil Salt by 82 rating points, while India teammate Tilak Varma sits third after scoring 213 runs in the Asia Cup. Sri Lankan batter Pathum Nissanka moved up two spots to fifth, achieving a career-high rating following his 261-run performance.

In bowling, India’s Varun Chakravarthy maintained his position as the No. 1-ranked T20I bowler after claiming seven wickets during the Asia Cup.

Also read: 'Humiliated' Mohsin Naqvi apologizes to BCCI over Asia Cup row but stubbornly refuses to hand over trophy