Saim Ayub Dethrones 39-year-old Pakistan-Born Player To Become No 1 T20I All-Rounder

Saim Ayub becomes number 1 ranked all-rounder [Source: AFP]

In the latest development, Pakistan opener Saim Ayub, who has emerged as a quality spin-bowling all-rounder in recent months, has regained the top spot in the ICC T20I all-rounders’ rankings. The ICC released its weekly rankings on Wednesday, and they rewarded Ayub after his strong showing in the match against India.

Heading into the T20 World Cup, there was a two-way tussle between Ayub and Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza for the top place, and the Pakistan player has pipped the Zimbabwean to claim the top ranking.

Ayub's performance against India takes him to the top

Before Wednesday, it was Raza who enjoyed his stay at the top, but Ayub delivered the goods for Pakistan with the ball in the ongoing World Cup, and has dethroned the 39-year-old to become the new number one ranked T20I all-rounder.

While Saim Ayub failed against India with the bat, scoring only 6 runs, he became Pakistan’s trump card with the ball as he bamboozled the Indian batters and scalped 3 for 25 to help his team make a comeback in the match.

India was going strong before Ayub spun his magic and scalped three quick wickets to turn the game on its head. However, with the bat, he failed as Pakistan lost a one-sided contest.

Ayub's rise as a spin-bowling all-rounder

Before the Asia Cup 2025, the explosive Pakistan opener was known for his aggressive top-order batting. However, something changed during the course of the tournament as captain Salman Agha utilised Ayub as a powerplay bowler.

The conditions in Dubai suited the spinners, and Saim Ayub was used by the team inside the first 6-overs and the move paid off for the Men in Green. In seven matches, he scalped 8 wickets, with an economy of 6.40.

Since then, he has become Pakistan’s main bowler at the top as he has the ability to take wickets early in his spell. In the ongoing T20 World Cup, Ayub has grabbed 5 wickets in just three matches, with an economy of 7.17, and after a strong showing, the ICC rewarded him with a top spot.

There is not much to separate Raza and Ayub in the tally, and with Zimbabwe reaching the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup, the 39-year-old has a chance to dethrone Ayub from the top spot if he performs in the next round.

Other major changes in T20I rankings

Apart from Ayub displacing Sikandar Raza, there have been other major changes in the T20I rankings. Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee has gained two spots and is now the number 4 ranked T20I all-rounder.

Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai, who had a strong showing in the last game, occupies the fourth spot alongside Airee, while West Indies’ Roston Chase slips down two places to number 6.

Pakistan’s Mohammad Nawaz also goes down to seventh in the all-rounders’ ranking, but his Asian rival, Shivam Dube climbs three places to number 9 after stellar performances in the ongoing World Cup.