Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s spin maestro, continues to hold the top spot in the ICC Men’s One-Day International Bowling Rankings, narrowly leading a competitive field in the latest update. The 25-year-old leg-spinner, known for his sharp turns and match-winning performances, has 669 rating points, keeping him just ahead of India’s Kuldeep Yadav (665) and Sri Lanka’s rising star Maheesh Theekshana (663).
Theekshana, a 24-year-old off-spinner, made headlines this week with his career-best rise to third place in the rankings. The Sri Lankan bowler showcased his prowess during the recent ODI series in New Zealand, claiming seven wickets across two games, including a spectacular hat-trick in Hamilton. Despite Sri Lanka losing the series 2-1, Theekshana’s figures of 4/44 in the first match underscored his growing influence in international cricket.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Matt Henry also made notable strides, climbing to joint ninth after a stellar series performance that included nine wickets at an average of 10.33. He now shares the spot with Australia’s Adam Zampa.
On the batting front, there was no change at the top. Pakistan’s Babar Azam continues to dominate with 795 points, followed by India’s star-studded trio: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli. Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka, however, slipped five places to 18th after a disappointing tour in New Zealand, managing only four runs across the series.
As competition intensifies ahead of key ODI fixtures, Rashid Khan’s slender lead underscores the razor-thin margins separating the world’s top spinners. With Theekshana and Yadav in hot pursuit, the battle for bowling supremacy promises high-stakes drama in the months to come.
