South Africa's Cricket Stars Shine in Latest ICC Rankings After WTC Victory
South Africa's Rise in ICC Rankings
Dubai [UAE], June 18: Following their impressive victory in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, South Africa's cricket team has made significant strides in the latest ICC rankings.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) released the updated rankings on Wednesday, showcasing several Proteas players who have climbed the Men’s Test Player Rankings.
Aiden Markram, who was named Player of the Match, surged seven positions to reach 11th place, just shy of the Top 10. He is only two points away from breaking into the elite group, with New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell currently holding the 10th position with 725 points.
Markram's outstanding performance included a remarkable 136 runs off 207 balls, which played a crucial role in securing South Africa's WTC title. Additionally, he contributed with the ball, taking two key wickets: Steven Smith in the first innings and Josh Hazlewood in the second. His all-around performance propelled him 44 places up to the 65th position in the bowling rankings.
David Bedingham also made notable contributions, helping to stabilize South Africa's innings with a resilient 45 runs off 111 balls and finishing with an unbeaten 21 off 49 balls. His efforts saw him rise 17 places to 40th, sharing the spot with Australia's Cameron Green.
In the Bowling Rankings, Lungi Ngidi's impressive spell of 3/38 in the second innings allowed him to climb seven spots to 37th, joining quick bowlers Lahiru Kumara and Naseem Shah.
Kagiso Rabada, who led South Africa's bowling attack with match figures of 9/110, retained his second position, trailing only behind India's Jasprit Bumrah.
Australia's Mitchell Starc and all-rounder Beau Webster also saw improvements in their rankings following their performances in the WTC final. Starc, who took five wickets and scored a vital 58 runs, moved up to 10th in the Men's Test Bowling and All-Rounders Rankings.
Webster, who was Australia's top scorer in the first innings with 72 runs off 92 balls, climbed 13 places to reach the 70th position in the Batting Rankings.