Keshav Maharaj reclaims top spot in ODI bowling rankings

South African leg-spinner Keshav Maharaj has reclaimed the ICC men s ranking position in the ODI bowling arena. His match-winning spell against Australia in the first one day international at Cairns nudged him ahead of the two, Sri Lanka Maheesh Theekshana and India Kuldeep Yadav.

The veteran spinner, who celebrates his 35th birthday later today, was the best bowler in an ODI match by taking 5-33 as South Africa won by 98 runs to lead the three-match series 1-0. The last time that Maharaj played the No.1 position was in November 2023. His discipline and economy was the deciding factor as Australia imploded in their pursuit.

South African batters were also improved in the recent ratings. Aiden Markram gained four places to 21. The captain, Temba Bavuma, gained five to 23 after both made half-centuries in the same game.

Elsewhere, West Indies captain Shai Hope broke into the top ten of the ODI batting list. He climbed to ninth after finishing as the leading scorer in the series against Pakistan. Hope struck 207 runs in three matches to guide his side to a 2-1 victory. His teammate Jayden Seales made a big leap, jumping 15 places to 18th among bowlers after taking ten wickets in the series.

In the T20I rankings, Australia’s Nathan Ellis entered the top ten bowlers, climbing to ninth after a strong performance against South Africa. Josh Hazlewood also improved, moving to 18th. South Africa’s Dewald Brevis surged nine places to joint 12th among T20I batters after smashing 125 not out in the first T20I and adding another 53 in the second.

Maharaj’s return to No.1 highlights his value as South Africa’s leading spinner in white-ball cricket.