Cricket's Ranking Race: Iftikhar Ahmed Soars, Babar Azam Reigns Supreme!
Cricket is known as a game of numbers, and one of the most talked-about numbers in the world of cricket is the rankings. The International Cricket Council (ICC) regularly updates the rankings for individual players and teams based on their performances in various formats of the game. In recent times, Pakistan has seen a remarkable rise in the rankings, with players like Iftikhar Ahmed and Babar Azam leading the charge.
In the latest ICC rankings update, Iftikhar Ahmed's name has shot up to the 33rd spot in the batting rankings for ODI's, making him Pakistan's third-highest ranked batsman after Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq. Iftikhar's rise in the rankings comes as no surprise after his impressive performances in the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka. He scored a blistering 32-ball 57 in the second ODI, helping Pakistan chase down a mammoth target of 298. He followed it up with a crucial 28-ball 46 in the third ODI, ensuring Pakistan's victory and sealing a series whitewash.
Iftikhar's rise in the rankings is a testament to his hard work and determination. The 29-year-old has been in and out of the Pakistani team since his debut in 2015. However, he has grabbed every opportunity that has come his way and has made a name for himself as a finisher in white-ball cricket. His ability to hit the ball long and hard has made him a valuable asset for the team, and his current ranking is a reward for his consistency.
But while Iftikhar is soaring up the rankings, one man who has been ruling them for quite some time now is Babar Azam. The 25-year-old is currently ranked as the number one batsman in the world in T20I's and is also in the top five in ODI's and Test cricket. Babar's rise to the top has been nothing short of phenomenal. From being a promising young talent to becoming the backbone of Pakistan's batting lineup, Babar has come a long way in a short period.
Babar's performances in all three formats of the game have been outstanding. In 2019, he became the fastest Pakistani batsman to reach 1000 runs in T20I's, achieving the feat in just 26 innings. He also scored his maiden Test century against Australia in Brisbane, becoming only the second Pakistani batsman to score a hundred on Australian soil. Babar's consistency and ability to adapt to different conditions have made him one of the most feared batsmen in world cricket.
Apart from his batting skills, Babar also possesses great leadership qualities. He was appointed as Pakistan's T20 captain earlier this year, and under his captaincy, the team has shown significant improvement. In the recently concluded T20 series against Australia, Babar led from the front with back-to-back half-centuries, helping Pakistan secure a series win against a formidable Australian side.
With Babar Azam at the helm, Pakistan's batting lineup looks strong and stable. He has been a vital cog in the team's recent success, and his ranking at the top is well-deserved.
While Iftikhar Ahmed and Babar Azam are making headlines for their performances in the rankings race, there are other Pakistani players who also deserve a mention for their consistent performances. Mohammad Amir, who is currently ranked as the third-best bowler in T20I's, has been leading Pakistan's pace attack with his swing and accuracy. Shaheen Afridi, who recently became the youngest bowler to take a five-wicket haul in a Test match at Brisbane, is also making a name for himself in the rankings.
Pakistan's recent rise in the rankings is a result of their team effort and the hard work put in by each player. With a good mix of experienced and young players, the team is showing great promise for the future. The upcoming Test series against Australia will be a tough challenge, but with players like Iftikhar Ahmed and Babar Azam in form, Pakistan will be looking to continue their dominance in the rankings.
In conclusion, cricket's ranking race is always an exciting one to watch, and with players like Iftikhar Ahmed and Babar Azam soaring high, it only adds to the excitement. These rankings are a reflection of a player's performances and consistency, and it is heartening to see Pakistani players making their mark on the world stage. As cricket fans, let us continue to support our players as they strive to reach new heights in the rankings race.
