ICC Rankings: The 39-Year Old Star All-Rounder Stuns Everyone To Make It To No.1

Zimbabwe’s cricketing talisman Sikandar Raza has reached a monumental milestone, becoming the No.1 ranked all-rounder in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings for the very first time in his career. The veteran’s stellar performances against Sri Lanka earlier this week have propelled him past Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai – the reigning ICC ODI Player of the Year and into the record books.

Raza’s rise isn’t just a numbers game; it’s a testament to grit, consistency, and a relentless drive to deliver for Zimbabwe on the international stage.

Raza’s Red-Hot Form

In the first ODI of the ongoing series in Colombo, Raza led a spirited chase with a classy 92 after picking up a wicket earlier in the match (1-48). Despite falling short of victory, the Zimbabwean skipper’s impact was undeniable. He followed that up with a composed unbeaten 59 in the second match, adding 0-46 with the ball – further underlining his all-round value.

His efforts have seen him surge past the 300-point mark in the ICC all-rounder rankings – a career-high and with it, dethrone Omarzai to claim the world No.1 spot.

Zimbabwe’s New-Age Hero

At 39, Raza continues to defy age and expectations. Once a quiet presence in the middle order, he’s now the heartbeat of Zimbabwe’s cricketing hopes. His leadership, performances, and never-say-die attitude have lifted a Zimbabwean side fighting to reclaim its place among cricket’s elite.

For a nation that has often struggled for consistency, Raza’s ascent offers a much-needed jolt of pride and belief.

Also Read: Why Did Virat Kohli Give Fitness Test In London? Special Treatment Sparks Debate!

Ben Curran Breaks Into the Top 100

Raza wasn’t the only Zimbabwean on the rise, opening batter Ben Curran, younger brother of England’s Tom and Sam Curran, enjoyed a breakthrough series, scoring 70 and 79 in back-to-back innings against Sri Lanka. His solid performances have seen him leap a staggering 71 places in the ODI batting rankings – moving from obscurity to World No.90.

Curran’s composed stroke play at the top of the order gives Zimbabwe new depth, and his partnership with Raza is quickly becoming one to watch.

Sri Lanka’s Movers Too

Sri Lanka may have lost ground in the all-rounder rankings, with Dilshan Madushanka and Janith Liyanage seeing minor boosts, but it’s with the ball where they’ll feel a pinch.

Spinner Maheesh Theekshana, who had been tied with South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj for the No.1 spot among ODI bowlers, now slips to No.2. His figures of 0-47 and 0-45 against Zimbabwe weren’t enough to hold off Maharaj’s sensational 4-22 performance against England yesterday.

The South African left-armer now holds the top spot alone – a fitting reward for his control and match-winning prowess.

ICC Men’s ODI All-Rounder Rankings:

Also Read: ENG Vs SA: ‘If You Get Beat Like That…’ Michael Atherton Gives Harsh Reality Check To England After Shocking Defeat