Maheesh Theekshana ranked 6th in ICC ODI Bowler Rankings
The latest ICC rankings have seen some noteworthy shifts for Sri Lankan players.
Maheesh Theekshana has climbed 6 places to 6th in the ODI bowler rankings after playing a key role in Sri Lanka’s 2-0 series win over New Zealand at Pallekele, their first in 12 years. He took 5 wickets for 78 runs, with 2 for 32 and 3 for 31 in the first and second matches, respectively. This performance earned him 650 ranking points and a career-high position.
With 65 wickets to his name, Theekshana’s best ODI figures of 4 for 25 against Zimbabwe in July 2023 earned him Player of the Match honors and sealed Sri Lanka’s qualification for the World Cup.
Wanindu Hasaranga, who missed the ODI series due to injury, slid 2 spots to 20th in the rankings. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Vandersay made a notable climb, surging 27 places to 72nd. Dilshan Madhushanka dropped 9 spots to 49th, while Dunith Wellalage fell 7 places to 52nd.
On the batting front, Kusal Mendis, named Player of the ODI series, jumped 9 places to 26th. Avishka Fernando moved up 5 spots to 62nd. Pathum Nissanka dropped one place to 8th, while skipper Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage both slipped 2 spots (to 11th and 66th, respectively). Sadeera Samarawickrama dropped 7 places to 49th.
In the all-rounder rankings, Maheesh Theekshana and Charith Asalanka both jumped 11 spots, now ranked 25th and 26th, respectively. However, Wanindu Hasaranga fell 4 places to 14th.
Kusal Mendis has climbed 3 spots to 12th in the T20I batsmen rankings. Pathum Nissanka, who was in the top 10, dropped 1 place to 9th, while India’s Tilak Varma surged 69 places to 3rd.
In the T20 bowler rankings, Theekshana dropped one spot to 5th, while Wanindu Hasaranga remains in 2nd. Hasaranga also moved up one spot in the T20 all-rounders’ list, now tied for 4th with Australia’s Marcus Stoinis. India’s Hardik Pandya climbed two places to take the top all-rounder spot.