ICC T20I raking: Babar Azam jumps a spot, Rizwan retains top position

Babar Azam notched up the second T20I hundred of his career in the second T20I against England.

ICC T20I raking: Babar Azam jumps a spot, Rizwan retains top position. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has jumped a spot in the ICC Men’s T20 players rankings, while his opening partner Mohammad Rizwan retained the top position.

In the latest rankings released on the ICC’s website, Babar improved in the batting charts, thanks to the second ton of his T20 career.

“Babar Azam notched up the second T20I hundred of his career in the second T20I against England, which has propelled him to No 3 in the batting charts,” a statement issued by the ICC read.

The statement said that veteran batter Mohammad Rizwan has regained the top spot after his brilliant displays in the ongoing seven-match series against England.

Meanwhile, India’s Suryakumar Yadav moved up to number two after his scintillating 69 off 36 deliveries in the third T20I against Australia in Hyderabad, while Australia skipper Aaron Finch ranked number five.

While in a major setback to the Pakistan side ahead of the Lahore leg, key pacer Naseem Shah was ruled out of the first match in the city due to high fever following a chest infection.

Shah was taken to a hospital earlier due to his fever, however, he is now feeling better, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesperson said.

Sources had earlier reported that doctors made him undergo different tests, including a dengue test, to ascertain the problem.

The PCB spokesperson said Shah’s inclusion in the other matches will depend on the results of his medical reports.

The teams are playing a seven-match series — four in Karachi and three in Lahore. The action will start in Lahore today at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium.