LAHORE – Pakistan has secured second position in ICC T20I rankings whereas New Zealand stands first and West Indies secured third position.
According to the ranking issued by International Cricket Council on Sunday, Pakistan batsman Babar Azam achieved a career-best sixth position after climbing 21 spots. He was adjudged the player of the series in the recently concluded Independence Cup which Pakistan won 2-1 against World XI at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
The 22-year-old started with a fine innings of 86 and followed it up with two other useful knocks of 45 and 48 to finish as the highest run scorer in the series with 179 runs, eight more than his compatriot Ahmed Shehzad, who has gained nine slots to reach joint-22nd position.
In bowling, Imad Wasim first, India’s Bhumra second while South Africa’s Imran Tahir is on the third position.
India captain Virat Kohli continued to be on top spot with 826 points in the latest ranking.
Shoaib Malik was another Pakistan batsman to gain as his 94 runs in the Lahore series saw him gain four slots to reach 30th position.
Pakistan leg-spinner Shadab Khan has gained 32 places to reach 66th rank among bowlers.
T20I Team Ranking
1. New Zealand (125)
2. Pakistan (121)
3. West Indies (120) (+3)
4. England (119) (-4)
5. India (116)
6. South Africa (110)
7. Australia (110)
8. Sri Lanka (93)
9. Afghanistan (86)
10. Bangladesh (78)
