In a stunning rise, two-time champions West Indies have ascended to fourth position in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings.
Their recent stellar form comes just in time for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which they will co-host from June 1-29.
The West Indies, winners of the 2012 and 2016 editions of the tournament, have leapfrogged New Zealand and South Africa following their impressive 3-0 series win over the latter. This performance has pushed South Africa down to seventh in the rankings, with India maintaining the top spot.
India, the 2007 champions, lead the list with 264 rating points. Australia, winners in 2021, hold second place with 257 points. Defending champions England are third with 254 points, closely followed by the West Indies with 252 points. New Zealand trails with 250 points, while Pakistan and South Africa both sit on 244 points, with Pakistan slightly ahead on decimal points.
Players reap benefits of stellar performances
The West Indies players have also seen significant personal gains in the rankings due to their outstanding performances leading up to their tournament opener against Papua New Guinea in Guyana on June 2.
Brandon King has climbed five places to eighth position after amassing a series-topping 159 runs. Johnson Charles, who delivered a powerful 69 off 26 balls to secure the Player of the Match in the third T20I, has surged 17 places to 20th. Kyle Mayers also moved up, gaining 12 places to reach 31st position with a series total of 102 runs.
On the bowling front, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has made an impressive leap, advancing 84 places to 27th after claiming eight wickets in the series.
Global impact on rankings
The latest rankings update, which also includes performances from the Bangladesh-USA series and the ongoing series between England and Pakistan, has seen several shifts:
- England captain Jos Buttler has moved up to seventh position.
- Jonny Bairstow of England has climbed eight places to 36th.
- Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has advanced from 57th to 51st.
- In the bowling rankings, Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi has risen three places to 11th, while Imad Wasim has moved up 14 places to 38th.
- For the USA, Steven Taylor has made significant progress, jumping 28 places to 109 in the batting rankings.
- For Bangladesh, Rishad Hussain has risen 38 places to 52nd in the bowling rankings.
With these rankings shifts and the West Indies’ surge in form, the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup promises to be a thrilling competition, showcasing the best of international cricket talent.
