In the lead-up to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA from June 1 to 29, inaugural champions India lead the charge with 264 rating points in the men's T20I team rankings. Two-time champions West Indies have gained four spots to fourth place, a reflection of their strong form leading into the event. The West Indies, winners of the 2012 and 2016 editions, have surpassed New Zealand and South Africa following a 3-0 series victory over South Africa, dropping the latter to seventh in the rankings led by India.
Australia, champions in 2021, are ranked second with 257 points, followed by defending champions England with 254 points, and the West Indies just behind them with 252 points.
New Zealand is fifth with 250 points, and Pakistan and South Africa are level on 244, but Pakistan is ahead due to decimal points.
West Indies players profit from fine performances during their home series. Opening batter Brandon King has risen five places to eighth position after leading the series with 159 runs. Johnson Charles, who scored 69 off 26 balls to be named Player of the Match in the third T20I, has jumped 17 places to 20th. Kyle Mayers has advanced 12 places to 31st with a total of 102 runs, while left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has surged 84 places to 27th after taking eight wickets in the series.
The latest weekly rankings update, which includes performances from the final two matches of the Bangladesh-USA series and the ongoing series between England and Pakistan, shows England captain Jos Buttler moving up to seventh place. Jonny Bairstow has climbed eight places to 36th, and Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has advanced from 57th to 51st.
Shaheen Afridi has advanced three positions to secure the 11th spot in the bowling rankings, showcasing Pakistan's prowess on the international stage. With him, Imad Wasim was a strong gainer, surging 14 places to take the 38th spot, and making Pakistan breathe a bit easier in the cricketing world.
While for USA, Steven Taylor shot up the batting rankings by 28 places to take the 109th spot. This is tremendous gain and makes the talent pool for American cricket promising.\n\nNot to be left behind, Bangladesh's Rishad Hussain showed great talent in the bowling department, moving up 38 places to take the 52nd spot. His movement up the ladder displays the fact that Bangladesh is developing talent and is ready to fight at the highest level on the world stage.
Read Also | Rohit Sharma Leads 10-Member World Cup Squad Arrival in NYC; Kohli and Hardik to Follow
