Pakistan skipper Babar Azam can return to rankings summit

After a great showing in the ODI series Pakistan captain Babar Azam appears to have the form to power him back to the top of the T20I rankings in the series against Zimbabwe.
Babar slipped off the summit recently after England’s Dawid Malan enjoyed a brilliant home summer that powered the left-hander to the head of the ICC’s estimation of T20I batsmen.
Babar is best
The Pakistan captain scored 221 runs including a fine 125 in the final match of their Cricket World Cup Super League series against Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.
Babar has been a familiar name at the top of the T20I batting table and is currently the only one in the top five of all three formats.
The 26-year-old who has been number one for a total of 774 days in four different stretches since January 2018 and was at the top till September this year, is only eight rating points adrift of Malan (877 rating points), who leapfrogged him during England’s 2-1 home series win over Australia.
Imad can make a charge
Similarly, all-rounder Imad Wasim would be looking to move back towards the top spot for bowlers from his current eighth position in the series. The left-arm spinner, a member of the Pakistan team that won the Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2006, was number one for 146 days in 2017 and 2018.
There are others too in the Pakistan squad who get the opportunity to make their way back up and boost their confidence with just about a year to go for the T20 World Cup 2021 in India.
Left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman, ranked as high as second in the past, is currently in 22nd place while Mohammad Hafeez is in 42nd position with his career-best being ninth position back in 2007. Among bowlers, leg-spinner Shadab Khan would be looking to move back towards his best of second position from ninth place while Faheem Ashraf is in 32nd place but was sixth two years ago.
Zimbabwe hopefuls
For Zimbabwe, Sean Williams is their principal player from the rankings perspective. He is ranked 54th among batters and 45th among bowlers but has held better positions in the past. He has been a prominent all-rounder in the format who was ranked second earlier this year and is currently third.
Brendan Taylor (76th), who was in fine form in the preceding ODI series and scored a century in the first match, has had a career-high ranking of sixth while Elton Chigumbura is ranked 96th but his career graph reflects a high of 26th.
Pakistan would also be working at moving back towards the top ranking in the T20I Team Rankings, currently led by Australia with 275 points. England (271), India (266) and Pakistan (261) follow in that order. Zimbabwe are in 11th position with 191 points.
Latest
-
News
Allegations of racist abuse among the crowd at Edgbaston being investigated
The Bharat Army has claimed “many” of its members were targeted.
-
News
Edgbaston officials to investigate allegations of racist abuse among crowd
The claims were highlighted by former cricketer Azeem Rafiq.
-
News
Alex Lees: England have ultimate belief they can complete chase against India
India set the winning line at 378, higher than any England side has ever managed, but the hosts need just 119 more with seven wickets in hand.
-
News
Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow leave England daring to dream against India
No England side has ever hunted down more than 359 but they have their eyes set on a record chase of 378 at Edgbaston.
-
England
England make quick inroads into record chase against India
Alex Lees and Zak Crawley put on 107 for the first wicket after the hosts were set 378 to win.
-
England
England face record run chase despite four wickets on fourth morning of fifth Test
India took their lead beyond 360 at Edgbaston in the series decider.
-
England
England ready to chase down any target India set, says Jonny Bairstow
The tourists established a commanding position, despite Bairstow’s knock of 106.
-
England
England still battling to contain India despite Jonny Bairstow century heroics
Bairstow’s 106 contained 14 boundaries and two sixes, but England still gave up a 132-run lead after being bowled out for 284.
-
England
Jonny Bairstow century heroics for England not enough to keep India at bay
Bairstow made 106 in typically rambunctious style, with 14 boundaries and two sixes.
-
News
In-form Jonny Bairstow leads England charge against India in Edgbaston decider
The Yorkshireman raced to 91 not out as England progressed to 200 for six.