ICC Rankings: Shaheen becomes Pakistan's top-rated T20I bowler

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan's most formidable pacer, has become the country's highest-rated T20I bowler as per the latest rankings update by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday. 

Shaheen went up by two notches to 17th spot among T20I bowlers. 

“Shaheen rises two spots to 17th overall for T20I bowlers on the back of his strong start to Pakistan's ongoing T20I series at home against New Zealand, where the 24-year-old is the leading wicket-taker for the series through the first three matches,” the ICC said in a press release.

“The pacer took the only wicket in the opening match of the series that was ruined by rain and his haul of 3/13 in Pakistan's decisive seven-wicket triumph over the Kiwis in the second game of the series has led to the rise up the rankings and past teammate and fellow quick Haris Rauf in 22nd place.”

The number one spot belongs to England's Adil Rashid, while New Zealand’s Ish Sodhi also gained five spots to reach 18th following three wickets for New Zealand in the series against Pakistan.

Suryakumar Yadav of India sits at the top of the T20I rankings for batters, with New Zealand’s Tim Seifert and Mark Chapman also making gains.

“Opener Tim Seifert rises three places to 24th, while teammate Mark Chapman is the big improver following his unbeaten half-century and Player of the Match heroics in the third game of the series in Pakistan,” the ICC stated.

“Chapman smashed 87* from just 42 deliveries in a standout individual performance with the bat and was duly rewarded by making a 12-place jump to 33rd overall as a result of his innings that included a quartet of massive sixes.”

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has dropped one place to fifth on the T20I rankings for batters. Meanwhile, Mohammad Rizwan is still in third place.