World Cup 2023: Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi becomes No 1 ODI bowler after match-winning 3/23 against Bangladesh

A day after playing an important role in helping Pakistan snap their losing run in the ongoing World Cup, left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi climbed to the top of the ICC ODI bowler’s rankings.

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Afridi snared three wickets for just 23 runs along with a maiden in his nine overs at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Tuesday, helping Pakistan bowl Bangladesh out for a sub-par 204. Openers Fakhar Zaman (81) and Abdullah Shafique (68) would later help the Babar Azam-led side chase the 205-run target down with more than 17 overs to spare.

Read | Fakhar Zaman makes triumphant return in PAK’s clinical victory over BAN

The haul not only has helped Afridi move to the top of the bowling charts in the ongoing World Cup as the joint-highest wicket-taker, it also has helped him displace Australia’s Josh Hazlewood as the No 1 ODI bowler in the world. The left-arm quick moved to the top of the ladder for the first time since he made his international debut in 2018.

His dismissal of Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan also gave him a 100th wicket in his 51st one-day international.

“I am delighted at completing 100 ODI wickets but the biggest thing is that all these wickets are for Pakistan and my goal is always to do something that helps us win,” said Shaheen.

Shaheen’s success in India has come despite a lack of swing, prompting him to adjust his sights in the campaign.

“I watched some of the IPL matches this year and there was not much swing,” said Shaheen.

“So I am not much surprised. But this is not for me only, it’s for other left armers like (Mitchell) Starc and (Trent) Boult also.”

He added: “I knew there will be less swing so the effort is on keeping a proper line and length and that is very important.”

Shaheen also hailed fellow fast bowlers Haris Rauf (2-36 against Bangladesh) and Mohammad Wasim (3-31).

“It was not easy for Wasim to sit on the bench and then on getting an opportunity he bowled very well in both the games he has played,” said Shaheen.

“Haris has speed and has played a key role in white ball cricket for Pakistan. It is good for Pakistan cricket to have bowlers like them.”

With the win against Bangladesh, Pakistan have six points from seven games.

They not only need to win their remaining two matches but also hope other results go their way if they are to make the semi-finals.

With inputs from AFP