Dubai, Aug 20 (NationPress) Keshav Maharaj, the seasoned left-arm spinner from South Africa, has once again secured the top position in the ICC Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings after a stellar performance in the first match of the three-match series against Australia in Cairns. Maharaj, aged 35, delivered an impressive 5-33, leading South Africa to a remarkable 98-run victory and earning the Player of the Match accolade. This exceptional display has propelled him ahead of India’s Kuldeep Yadav, now in third, and Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana, who is in second, allowing Maharaj to reclaim the pinnacle he briefly held in late 2023.

In another highlight, West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales surged 17 spots to 19th place following his phenomenal 6-18, which secured a series-clinching ODI win over Pakistan. His teammate, Roston Chase, an off-spin bowling all-rounder, also made strides, moving up seven places to 67th, while Pakistani leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed climbed 18 spots to share 43rd position.

In the ODI Batting Rankings, Shai Hope, the captain of the West Indies, ascended two spots to seventh after scoring an unbeaten 120 in the concluding ODI against Pakistan. South African players Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma also made notable advancements to 21st and 23rd places, respectively. Meanwhile, Australia’s acting captain Mitchell Marsh jumped six positions to 52nd after a remarkable 88-run inning.

Turning to the Men’s T20I Rankings, South Africa's rising star Dewald Brevis jumped nine spots to 12th among batters, thanks to a century and a fifty against Australia. Australia, who triumphed in the T20I series 2-1, saw Marsh and Glenn Maxwell ascend to 25th and 30th place after climbing four and ten spots, respectively.

In terms of bowlers, Australia’s Nathan Ellis climbed three spots to ninth, while Josh Hazlewood rose two places to 18th. South African speedster Kagiso Rabada also saw progress, advancing seven places to 37th.