South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj returns to top of ODI bowling ranking list

‌Keshav Maharaj’s career-best ODI figures during the first match against Australia propelled him to the top of the International Cricket Council’s ranking list for bowlers in the 50-over game. As per the latest updated list on August 19, the left-arm spinner went past Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav and Sri Lankan Maheesh Theekshana to occupy the top spot among bowlers.

Maharaj bowled a game-changing spell of 5/33, his first five-wicket haul in ODIs, in 10 overs in the first game against the Aussies in Cairns on Tuesday. His exploits with the ball meant that the home side were bowled out for just 198 in response to the Proteas’ 296/8 in the first innings.

The left-arm spinner was introduced by skipper Temba Bavuma as early as the ninth over of the chase, and he bore immediate reward. The former Rajasthan Royals spinner trapped Marnus Labuschagne right in front of the wicket with his first ball of the game. He then ran through the middle order, including the likes of Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, and Aaron Hardie, to reduce the hosts to 89/6. The Aussies never recovered from that as they succumbed to a 98-run defeat against the visitors.

Maharaj has played 49 ODIs for South Africa and has picked up 63 wickets, including two four-wicket hauls to go with his maiden fifer. The left-arm spinner returns to the top of the ODI rankings for bowlers after holding the position briefly after the ODI World Cup in India. He had a decent run during South Africa’s journey to the semifinal of the marquee event, picking up 15 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 24.66 and a strike rate of 35.60.