Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Nov 11: Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah has created history by becoming the first cricketer from his country to break into the top 10 of any category in the ICC Men's Player Rankings, climbing to seventh place among Test batters following his impressive performance against Zimbabwe in Sharjah.
Rahmat jumped six places after scoring 173 in the opening Test of the two-match series, earning a career-best rating and moving ahead of several established players, including India captain Shubman Gill, South Africa's Aiden Markram and Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis.
The 33-year-old's innings was his fifth Test century and second of the year. His rise marks another significant milestone for Afghanistan cricket, which has enjoyed an impressive run on the international stage.
Earlier this month, Afghanistan reached its highest-ever position in the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings, climbing to sixth place after winning a tri-series involving Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.
Zimbabwe veteran Craig Ervine was another major gainer in the latest Test rankings update. He surged nine places to 48th after remaining unbeaten on a double-century in the second innings of the drawn Sharjah Test.
The conclusion of the ICC World Test Championship series between Bangladesh and the West Indies also brought significant changes to the batting rankings. West Indies batter Kavem Hodge climbed 12 places to 52nd, while Bangladesh's Towhid Hridoy entered the top 60 at 60th. West Indies batter Amir Jangoo made an impressive jump of 28 places to reach 62nd.
Among bowlers, West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican achieved a career-best rating following his Player of the Series performance against Bangladesh. He climbed 11 places to share 19th position in the Test bowling rankings and advanced four spots to 31st among all-rounders.
His teammate Justin Greaves also improved his standing, moving up one place to share eighth position in the Test all-rounders' rankings.
The latest update also saw several players gain ground in the ODI rankings following the first two matches of the India-New Zealand series.
India spinner Axar Patel climbed 23 places to 21st among ODI bowlers after returning figures of 2/28 in the second match in Wellington. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh advanced 11 places to share 31st position following his four-wicket haul in the series opener in Auckland.
Pacer Gurnoor Brar, currently the leading wicket-taker in the series with seven scalps, recorded one of the biggest jumps, moving from outside the top 100 to 48th in the ODI bowling rankings.
New Zealand seamers Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson also improved their positions. Duffy climbed eight places to 43rd, while Jamieson surged 24 spots to reach 60th.