DUBAI: Pakistan’s left-arm spinning all-rounder Imad Wasim has risen to the top of the ICC’s Twenty20 International rankings for bowlers.

Imad displaced South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir, who dropped two positions to third following a poor performance in his side’s series defeat to England. The Pakistan-born Imran had claimed the No 1 ranking in January but leaking 75 runs in his last seven overs, for only one wicket, has not helped his cause.

As a result, Imad, enjoyed his first spell at the top of the T20I bowlers rankings. India’s Jasprit Bumrah occupied second place. Among the other big movers were Imran’s South Africa team-mate Chris Morris, who jumped up 32 places to the 29th spot, and England’s Liam Plunkett, who rose 26 places to No 38.

England, who had begun their series against South Africa, ranked No 2 along with Pakistan, now have sole ownership of that position. New Zealand remain the top-ranked team in Twenty20 Internationals.

A.B. de Villiers, who topped the batting charts in the England series with 146 runs, returned to the top 20 in the batsman’s rankings, climbing up 12 places. England opener Jason Roy, who put behind a disappointing Champions Trophy with 103 runs in three Twenty20 Internationals, was rewarded with a career-best 25th position. Virat Kohli continues to be the No 1-ranked batsman, followed by Aaron Finch and Kane Williamson.

England gained two points after their 2-1 victory over South Africa, allowing them to take control of the second spot on the team rankings. Although they had held the same position earlier, it had been together with Pakistan, who have now dropped to No 3.

Published in Dawn, June 29th, 2017