Daily Times

Babar Azam’s ICC T20I ranking at risk.

After putting on a lacklustre performance in the ongoing Asia Cup, Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who has ruled the T20I format rankings for almost three years, may now be forced to relinquish his crown.

The ICC Men’s T20I Batting Rankings, which are set to be announced on Wednesday, include Babar competing for the top slot with India’s Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan’s standout wicket-keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan.

Although the Asian nations are competing in the UAE for the Asia Cup title, another battle is taking place simultaneously for the number 1 spot in the T20I batter rankings between the three aforementioned batters.

Babar has been holding the number 1 spot for more than 1,000 days, but his long-lasting reign is at risk after an ordinary streak of scores from the Pakistan skipper during the Asia Cup.

Until last week, Babar was holding on to the spot despite pressure from Rizwan and Yadav, but now, his brief period of below-the-mark performances have given both the batters a chance at the top spot.

With 192 runs, including two fifty-plus scores in three games, Rizwan currently leads the Asia Cup in run scoring. The tournament’s opening match between Pakistan and India saw the opener for Pakistan score 50 against Hong Kong and 43 against India.

On the other hand, Yadav crushed Hong Kong with a spectacular 26-ball 68*. With scores of 10, 9, and 14 in the first three games, Babar hasn’t had a terrific tournament.

Babar Azam’s ICC T20I ranking at risk.

With 810 rating points, Babar now holds the top spot in the batting rankings. Yadav comes in second with 792 points, closely followed by Rizwan with 796 points.