Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana has dethroned Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan to become the No.1 ranked bowler in ODIs.
His impressive performance in the two-match ODI series against Australia, where he took four wickets in 12.5 overs, played a key role in his rise to the top.
In the latest ICC rankings update, Theekshana has secured the No.1 spot with 680 rating points, while Rashid has slipped to second with 669 points. However, Theekshana’s reign might be short-lived, as Sri Lanka will not play ODIs for the next three weeks. Meanwhile, eight other teams, including Afghanistan, will compete in the ICC Champions Trophy.
Sri Lanka failed to qualify for the tournament, along with the West Indies, and will have to watch the action unfold in Pakistan and Dubai until March 9. Rashid, who will feature in at least three matches, has a strong chance of reclaiming his No.1 ranking.
India’s Kuldeep Yadav, currently fourth with 652 rating points, is also in contention to climb higher. With India set to face Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in the group stage, he has an opportunity to boost his ranking.
Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi has dropped to fifth after a below-par tri-series at home but will aim for a comeback in the Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has broken into the top 10, climbing five places to seventh. His stellar performance in the tri-series, where he took five wickets in three matches while maintaining an economical spell, contributed to his rise in the rankings.
