Babar Azam now in sight of becoming No 1 in all three formats

He is ranked number one in ODIs, number one in T20Is, and number three in Tests. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam is the only batsman who now features in the top three of all three ICC ranking lists.

Azam's scores of 119 and 55 against Sri Lanka at Galle saw him reach a career high third ranking with a career best rating of 874 points. Azam, who was earlier in fourth place, overtook Australia's Steve Smith to get into the top three.

England's Joe Root with 923 points and Australia's Marnus Labuschagne with 885 points are ahead of Azam in the Test rankings. Already his fans are looking forward to the day Azam gets to number one in all three lists.


There is another big gainer from Pakistan in the ICC Test rankings. Opener Abdullah Shafique, who has amassed 720 runs in his first six Tests, jumped up 23 slots to reach 16th position with 671 rating points. Only two batters have ever had more points after six Tests – Sunil Gavaskar (692) and Donald Bradman (687).