Online Desk: Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi has dethroned Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan as the top-ranked all-rounder in the ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings.
Nabi’s remarkable 136-run performance in the first ODI against Sri Lanka propelled him to the top spot, making him the oldest player (39 years, one month) to achieve this status.
Shakib’s reign as the No. 1 ODI all-rounder had been an impressive one. He held the position for a record 4,276 days, with an unbroken stretch of 1,739 days since May 7, 2019. This marks the longest uninterrupted tenure at the top of the ODI rankings for any player.
Nabi’s ascent underscores Afghanistan’s growing prominence in the cricketing world. Previously, the country has seen Rashid Khan (ODI/T20I bowling) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (T20I bowling) top the ICC rankings.
The first two ODIs against Sri Lanka saw notable performances on both sides.
Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai climbed 19 places to 57th due to his unbeaten 149, while Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka (97*), Pathum Nissanka, and Sadeera Samarawickrama gained in the batting rankings. Wanindu Hasaranga and Dilshan Madhushanka made strides in the bowling rankings.