Kohli Rises 14 Spots To 15th On ICC T20I Batter Rankings

DUBAI: Star India batter Virat Kohli has risen 14 spots to 15th overall on the ICC T20I batter rankings due to his efforts in the recently-concluded Asia Cup in the UAE. Kohli scored his first international century in almost three years — against Afghanistan — and scored 276 runs in the continental showpiece event.

Kohli has some way to go before he is back into contention for the top ranking for T20I batters, but he is at least moving in the right direction now after returning to form during the Asia Cup.

The champion right-hander was the big mover near the top of the T20I batter rankings, with India team-mate KL Rahul (up seven places to 23rd) and Sri Lanka star Bhanuka Rajapaksa (up 34 spots to 34th) also making good ground on those players near the top.

Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has also been rewarded for his dominant performances at the Asia Cup, while a new No.1 all-rounder has been crowned in the shortest format of the game.

Sri Lanka match-winner Hasaranga improved three places to sixth on the bowler rankings and seven spots to fourth on the all-rounder list after he was adjudged 'Player of the Tournament' at the Asia Cup.

The Sri Lanka all-rounder picked up nine wickets for the tournament — including three in the final against Pakistan — and his form was a big reason why the island nation was able to claim a sixth Asia Cup title.

Hasaranga could be eyeing a top spot in both ranking lists should he be able to replicate his current form during the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia later this year. The 25-year-old is now just 100 rating points behind Australia's Josh Hazlewood on the list for T20I bowlers, while the gap at the top is even less on the all-rounder rankings.

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan is the new No.1 ranked T20I all-rounder after he overtook Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi following the Asia Cup.

But Hasaranga's rapid recent rise sees him move to a total of 184 rating points, with both Shakib (248) and Nabi (246) well within his sights.

Pakistan veteran Mohammad Rizwan maintains his lead at the head of the T20I batter rankings, while South Africa's Aiden Markram jumps in front of Babar Azam to claim second place in a tight battle for top billing.

On the list for T20I bowlers, India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar (up four spots to seventh) and Pakistan duo Haris Rauf (up nine places to equal 25th) and Mohammad Nawaz (up seven spots to 34th) were among the biggest movers after strong performances at the Asia Cup. IANS

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