Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai has ascended to the top of the ICC ODI allrounder rankings, dethroning his compatriot Mohammad Nabi following an exceptional Champions Trophy 2025 campaign. Despite Afghanistan falling short of the semi-finals, Omarzai’s performances with both bat and ball proved instrumental, securing his place as the world’s leading allrounder in the 50-over format.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s Stellar Champions Trophy Performance
Omarzai’s all-round prowess was on full display throughout the tournament. He claimed seven wickets in three matches, with a standout performance against England where he registered career-best figures of 5 for 58. His contribution extended beyond bowling, as he amassed 126 runs at a striking average of 42.00 and a commendable strike rate of 104.13. Often stepping in during crucial moments, Omarzai played a pivotal role in stabilizing Afghanistan’s lower-middle order, showcasing his temperament and ability under pressure.
His rise in the rankings saw him leap two spots to surpass Nabi, now holding a four-point lead over his predecessor. The 23-year-old also made significant gains in the batting rankings, climbing 12 positions to claim the 24th spot among ODI batsmen.
Virat Kohli Moves Up in Batting Rankings
Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has also gained ground in the ICC ODI batting rankings, moving up one place to secure the fourth position. His Player of the Match performance against Australia in the semi-final, where he scored a crucial 84 in a 265-run chase, played a key role in his ascent. Kohli also delivered a match-winning unbeaten century against Pakistan in the group stage, further cementing his dominance in high-pressure encounters.
Shubman Gill continues to reign at the top of the ODI batting charts, followed closely by Babar Azam. Heinrich Klaasen holds the third position, while India’s Rohit Sharma has slipped two spots to fifth place. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran was among the biggest risers, making a significant leap of 13 places to enter the top ten, thanks to his stunning 177-run knock against England.
Matt Henry Breaks Into Top Three Among Bowlers
New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry has climbed three places to claim the third spot in the ICC ODI bowling rankings, sitting just behind Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana and South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj. Henry’s exceptional form in the Champions Trophy saw him bag eight wickets ahead of New Zealand’s semi-final clash against South Africa, sharing the top wicket-taker’s spot with India’s Mohammed Shami, who himself has moved up three places to 11th position.
With the Champions Trophy nearing its climax, the latest rankings highlight the shifting dynamics in international cricket. As Afghanistan continues to make strides on the global stage, Omarzai’s rise to the pinnacle of the ODI allrounder rankings marks a significant milestone for the team’s growing stature in the sport. His performances have not only established him as a key figure in Afghanistan’s lineup but also as one of the most exciting allrounders in world cricket today.
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Conclusion
Azmatullah Omarzai’s rise to the No. 1 ODI allrounder ranking marks a defining moment in his career and Afghanistan’s cricketing journey. His stellar performances in the Champions Trophy 2025 have solidified his reputation as a match-winner, both with the bat and ball. With the ICC rankings seeing major shake-ups, the stage is set for even more thrilling cricket as teams and players continue to vie for top honors in international cricket.
