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January 2, 2025

Babar & Rizwan Slip, Saud Shakeel Climbs in ICC Test Rankings

Babar & Rizwan Slip, Saud Shakeel Climbs in ICC Test Rankings

On Wednesday, the ICC released the latest test batting rankings. As per the update, star batters Babar Azam and skipper Mohammad Rizwan slipped down from their original spots, whereas Saud Shakeel climbed much higher. 

The change in rankings could be related to Pakistan’s recent two-wicket loss against South
Africa in the PAK vs SA 1st Test. 

Saud Shakeel was also dismissed early on in the 1st innings after scoring just 14 off 6 balls, but he took the charge against the Proteas’ fiery pacers and played a gutsy knock of 84 in the 2nd innings. 

As a result, Saud’s position went three places up and now he’s standing at the 6th spot in the ICC Test batting rankings with 764 rating points. 

Meanwhile, Babar Azam, despite breaking his half-century drought, dropped two places to 17th spot with 669 points.

Like every other batsman, Babar also got out early on in the 1st innings, but he managed to get back up and score a notable 50 in the 2nd innings. 

Unfortunately, skipper Rizwan’s performance with the bat continues to be extremely underwhelming. He scored a total of 30 runs in two innings and consequently, dropped two places to 21st.

As far as the bowling department is concerned, spinner Noman Ali and pacer Shaheen Afridi, both of whom couldn’t play the PAK vs SA 1st test, dropped one spot to 9th and 18th place respectively in the ICC Test Bowling Rankings.

Lastly, Naseem Shah jumped up six places to reach the 33rd spot after he managed to pick 4 wickets in the 1st test. 


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