Saim Ayub may not have had the most impressive batting performance in the Asia Cup, but his outstanding bowling display propelled him to the top of the ICC rankings.
The left-arm bowler claimed eight wickets in seven matches during the tournament, although he scored only 37 runs. Despite his modest batting performance, his bowling was enough to surpass India’s Hardik Pandya in the rankings.
Ayub’s effective spin-bowling, particularly during the power play, earned him recognition. He averaged 16 with an economy rate of just 6.40, making him Pakistan’s best bowler. As a result, he moved up four places in the rankings, now sitting at the top with 241 rating points.
Pandya, who missed the Asia Cup final due to injury, dropped one place to second with 233 points. He took only four wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 8.57, and did not get much opportunity with the bat.
However, Hardik has a chance to reclaim his top spot as he will be in action for India against Australia in the upcoming T20Is.
