Babar Azam Returns to ICC Test Rankings Top 10 Despite Century Drought

Babar Azam has returned to the top 10 of the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings after nearly two years outside the elite group. The Pakistan batter’s strong performance in the recently concluded Test series against the West Indies helped him climb five places to No. 10.

Babar accumulated 193 runs across the two-Test series as Pakistan and the West Indies finished level at 1-1. Pakistan lost the opening Test before recovering strongly in the second match, with Babar contributing significantly to the team’s victory.

Babar Azam climbs to No. 10 in Test rankings

The latest ICC rankings, released on Wednesday, saw Babar move five places to the 10th position. The rise comes after he slipped out of the top 10 in September 2024 following several years among the leading Test batters in the world.

Babar’s latest ranking is still below his career-best position of No. 2, which he achieved during Pakistan’s home Test series against England in December 2022.

His return to the top 10 is significant because it comes during an important phase of his Test career, with Babar once again taking responsibility as Pakistan’s Test captain.

Babar’s Test century drought continues

Despite his improved ranking, Babar remains without a Test century for an extended period. His most recent three-figure score in the format came in December 2022 against New Zealand.

The right-hander came close to ending the drought in the second Test against the West Indies. Babar scored 88 in the first innings and appeared well placed to reach his 10th Test century, but a run-out ended his innings before he could complete the milestone.

He remained unbeaten on 24 in the second innings, helping Pakistan complete the victory and level the two-match series.

Abdullah Shafique makes major jump

Pakistan’s improvement in the latest rankings was not limited to Babar. Opening batter Abdullah Shafique made one of the biggest moves in the Test batting rankings following an outstanding performance against the West Indies.

Shafique produced an unbeaten 160 in the first innings and followed it with an unbeaten 24. His performances earned him Player of the Match honours and lifted him 25 places to No. 32 in the Test batting rankings.

The rise provides another positive sign for Pakistan’s batting unit as the team looks to improve its performances in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.

Shamar Joseph climbs in Test bowling rankings

There was also movement in the Test bowling rankings following the Pakistan-West Indies series. West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph moved up one place to No. 19 after taking three wickets in the match.

While the Test series ended 1-1, individual performances from players on both sides resulted in several changes across the latest ICC rankings.

Pakistan and West Indies remain at bottom of WTC table

The drawn Test series did little to improve the World Test Championship positions of either Pakistan or the West Indies. Both teams remain in the bottom two places of the WTC standings.

Australia continue to lead the table with a points percentage of 87.50 after winning seven of their eight matches. South Africa are second with 75.00 percentage points, while New Zealand occupy third place with 72.22.

For Pakistan, the result against the West Indies provided some momentum, but the team still faces a difficult task if it wants to climb the WTC table during the remainder of the cycle.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz rises in ODI rankings

The latest ICC rankings also featured movement in the ODI batting list. Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz climbed three places to No. 11 following scores of 32 and 71 in the second and third ODIs against Ireland.

Gurbaz’s rise adds another positive development for Afghanistan, whose players continue to make progress across the ICC’s individual rankings.

Babar Azam’s latest Test ranking: Key points

• Current ranking: No. 10 in the ICC Test batting rankings.
• Movement: Babar climbed five places after the West Indies series.
• Series runs: He scored 193 runs across the two Tests.
• Last Test century: December 2022 against New Zealand.
• Career-best ranking: No. 2, achieved in December 2022.
• Abdullah Shafique: Climbed 25 places to No. 32 after scoring an unbeaten 160.
• Shamar Joseph: Rose one place to No. 19 in the Test bowling rankings.