Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ranked the number one bowler in the latest ICC ODI Bowling Rankings. It is the first time the Pakistani spearhead has reached the top of the ranking in this format.

Afridi is currently the joint leading wicket-taker in World Cup 2023 alongside Australia spinner Adam Zampa, with the duo having taken 16 scalps apiece.

The tall left-armer took another three wickets during Pakistan’s game against Bangladesh in Kolkata on October 31 to keep his side’s semi-final hopes alive.

During the game, he also became the quickest fast-bowler to complete 100 wickets in one-day cricket during the World Cup 2023 match.

Read: Who attended valima of Shaheen Shah Afridi

Australia’s Josh Hazlewood is sitting in the second spot while India’s Mohammed Siraj remains the third in the ranking.

Pakistan face the Kiwis on Saturday in Bengaluru before finishing their group campaign against England in Kolkata on November 11.

As well as two wins, the 1992 champions will need other results go their way if they are to stay in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Babar Azam said Tuesday that he still clings onto hope that his team can squeeze into the World Cup semi-finals despite the odds stacked against them.

“Yes. We are trying to win our next two matches and let’s see where we stand,” said Azam after a seven-wicket romp over Bangladesh gave them a third win in seven matches.

“We will take a lot of confidence into those matches.”

Pakistan have six points and sit in fifth place in the 10-nation table.