ICC T20I Rankings: Tabraiz Shamsi climbs to second position after stunning show against Pakistan
South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi has climbed to the second spot in ICC’s rankings for bowlers in the T20 format. The tweaker recently ended as the join-highest wicket-taker in the T20I series against Pakistan which the visitors lost 1-2.
Shamsi picked up six wickets in the three matches at an economy rate of 5.08. Proteas fast bowler Dwaine Pretorius also got six wickets. In the final T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Shamsi picked up four wickets, though his spell came in a losing cause.
Shamsi closing in on Rashid Khan
In the rankings, the chinaman bowler went past Adam Zampa, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Adil Rashid. With 733 rating points under his belt, Shamsi is three points shy of Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, who’s sitting at the top with 736 rating points.
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After winning the second T20I, the Proteas lost the final T20I by four wickets to squander the series. David Miller scored 85 off 45 and Shamsi got a four-fer. Despite their efforts, the visiting team couldn’t go over the finishing line. After the game, Heinrich Klaasen lauded Miller and Shamsi, but also expressed his agony.
“Bitter pill to swallow. Started with my dismissal, I take full responsibility for that collapse. Not ideal, at least we fought back. Miller batted outstandingly and Shamsi was outstanding with four wickets. Good fightback with the bowling as well, at the end, not enough.
“It’s (dew) not an excuse, we have trained. No excuse for the slippery ball,” Klaasen was quoted as saying in the post-match presentation ceremony.
Pakistan skipper Babar Azam was over the moon after his team’s dominance. He put forth the reason behind promoting Haider Ali and also thanked South Africa for visiting Pakistan for the bilateral series.
“Talking about the start, bowling was really good. Credit to Miller for his outstanding innings. Focus was on partnerships and take the game deep. Players coming through from domestic cricket. Our youngsters and those making a comeback are giving 100 percent.
“Plan was to utilise powerplay by promoting Haider Ali. Want to thank the crowd for backing us. Want to thank South Africa as well for coming here,” Babar said after the game.
