South Africa’s left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has stormed back to the top of the ICC Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings, leapfrogging Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana and India’s Kuldeep Yadav. His remarkable performance in the opening ODI against Australia in Cairns — where he picked up a career-best 5 for 33 — was the turning point that sealed a 98-run victory and a 1-0 series lead for the Proteas.
Maharaj previously occupied the No. 1 ranking in November 2023, and his latest five-wicket haul reaffirmed his position as one of the most consistent spinners in world cricket.
South African Batters on the Rise
It wasn’t just Maharaj making headlines. South Africa’s batting unit also enjoyed a ranking boost:
- Aiden Markram jumped four places to No. 21 after a composed half-century.
- Temba Bavuma climbed five positions to No. 23 thanks to his fluent knock at the top of the order.
Both players’ contributions were vital in setting up South Africa’s dominant win against the Australians.
Shai Hope Breaks Into the Top 10
From the Caribbean, West Indies skipper Shai Hope broke into the top 10 ODI batting charts, rising to No. 9 after a stellar run against Pakistan. Hope finished as the leading run-scorer of the series with 207 runs, guiding his side to a 2-1 series win.
His teammate Jayden Seales also enjoyed a breakthrough moment, leaping 15 spots to No. 18 among ODI bowlers after collecting 10 wickets across the three-match series.
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T20I Rankings: Ellis and Brevis Shine
While the ODIs grabbed the spotlight, the recently concluded Australia vs South Africa series also shook up the rankings:
- Australian pacer Nathan Ellis moved into the top 10 bowlers at No. 9 after a match-winning 3 for 31 in the decider.
- Fellow seamer Josh Hazlewood climbed two places to No. 18 after finishing as Australia’s highest wicket-taker in the series.
- On the batting side, Dewald Brevis of South Africa made a huge leap, soaring nine places to joint 12th. His explosive knocks, including a breathtaking 125 not out off 56 balls and a rapid-fire 53 off 26 reinforced his reputation as one of the most dangerous young talents in T20 cricket.
Maharaj’s Value Beyond Numbers
Maharaj’s resurgence is significant not just for his personal achievement but also for South Africa’s ODI campaign heading into major tournaments. At 35, his ability to maintain consistency in spin-friendly and pace-dominated conditions alike makes him a priceless asset. Unlike many spinners who thrive only on subcontinental tracks, Maharaj has repeatedly proven effective in Australia, England, and beyond.
His return to the No. 1 ranking also highlights the increasing importance of finger spin in limited-overs cricket, where control and economy often matter more than extravagant turn.