Race for No 1 ODI batter ranking hots up as challengers make their move
Cricket
Babar drops to a total of 829 rating points despite having amassed 157 runs from five innings
(Web Desk) - Babar Azam's lead at the head of the MRF Tyres ODI Batting Rankings has been reduced to just six rating points as India's Shubman Gill and a host of stars in stunning form at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup close in on the Pakistan skipper.
Babar drops to a total of 829 rating points despite having amassed 157 runs from five innings so far at the Cricket World Cup, with his most recent effort a fighting 74 in a losing side against Afghanistan in Chennai.
Gill has 95 runs from just three matches for India, with the right-hander improving to 823 rating points on the back of his standout innings of 53 against Bangladesh in Pune.
The India opener isn't the only player to make inroads on Babar, with in-form South African Quinton de Kock within striking distance in third place on the rankings for ODI batters following a superb start to the World Cup that has seen him score three magnificent centuries.
South Africa teammate Heinrich Klaasen (up seven places to fourth and a new career-high rating) also makes good ground, while experienced duo Virat Kohli (improves three spots) and David Warner (up two spots) share fifth place on the rankings after some good performances in India.
Consistent middle-order performer Daryl Mitchell is another player on the rise, with the New Zealander jumping 16 places to 13th overall after 268 runs from four hits at the World Cup.
Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood maintains a narrow lead at the top of the ODI bowler rankings, but the challengers are lining up to overtake him with India quick Mohammed Siraj (up one place to second) his nearest rival after picking up six wickets from five appearances at the World Cup.
South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj rises two places to third and a new career-high rating following his seven wickets at the tournament thus far, while Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi (up four places to sixth) and Australia tweaker Adam Zampa (up four places to seventh) also make ground inside the top 10.
Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan remains out in front of the ODI rankings for all-rounders, with South Africa beanpole Marco Jansen the biggest mover with the in-form No.7 jumping 23 places on this list to share 11th place alongside Scotland's Michael Leask.
