National batters Babar Azam and Saim Ayub received a timely boost in the latest ICC T20I batting rankings released on the eve of the national side’s home series against Australia, offering encouragement ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India.
Pakistan are set to host Australia in a three-match T20I series starting on Thursday, their final international assignment before the global event, as selectors assess form and combinations.
According to the updated ICC rankings, former captain Babar climbed one place to 31st, while Saim moved up two positions to joint 35th.
Saim now shares the spot with West Indies batter Brandon King, who made a notable jump of 15 places following recent performances.
Sahibzada Farhan remains Pakistan’s highest-ranked batter in the format, holding steady at fifth place, while Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha is positioned at 41st in the batting charts.
Pakistan bowlers also made gains in the rankings, with leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed rising one place to joint fourth alongside New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy.
Fast bowler Salman Mirza improved by one position to 18th.
All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz, however, slipped two places to 15th in the bowling rankings, while Saim Ayub also registered progress with the ball, climbing one spot to 54th.
