Keshav Maharaj No.1 ICC ODI Bowler
South African spinner Keshav Maharaj has climbed to the No.1 ODI bowler ranking, overtaking Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana and India’s Kuldeep Yadav. His rise came after a brilliant five-wicket haul against Australia in Cairns. Consequently, South Africa secured a dominant victory in the first ODI.
Keshav Maharaj Becomes World No.1 ODI Bowler
A return to the No.1 ODI bowler ranking marks a proud milestone for Maharaj. He last held this position in November 2023. His career-best figures of 5 for 33 gave South Africa a 98-run win and a 1-0 lead in the series. Moreover, the 35-year-old spinner once again proved his control and consistency in limited-overs cricket.
Keshav Maharaj reclaims the No.1 ODI bowler spot after a stunning fifer in the last game 🔥
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) August 20, 2025
📸 Getty #KeshavMaharaj #ODIRankings #ICC #Proteas #SpinKing #Cricket pic.twitter.com/hC7OXlvfk6
Changes in ICC ODI Rankings for Batters and Bowlers
Alongside Keshav Maharaj’s No.1 ODI bowler ranking, other South African players improved their standings. Aiden Markram rose four places to No.21. Meanwhile, captain Temba Bavuma advanced five spots to No.23 after scoring a half-century.
From the Pakistan vs West Indies series, captain Shai Hope moved up two places to reach No.9 in ODI batting rankings. His 207 runs were crucial as West Indies won the series 2-1. In addition, fast bowler Jayden Seales jumped 15 places to No.18 after taking ten wickets.
T20I Rankings: Nathan Ellis and Dewald Brevis Shine
While Keshav Maharaj sits at No.1 in ODI bowling rankings, the T20I charts also saw changes. Australian pacer Nathan Ellis entered the top ten at No.9. His match-winning spell of 3 for 31 in the third T20I secured a victory against South Africa. Furthermore, Josh Hazlewood climbed two spots to No.18.
South African youngster Dewald Brevis also impressed. He rose nine places to No.12 among T20I batters. His explosive 125 not out in the first T20I and a quick 53 in the second underlined his growing reputation.
Maharaj’s Return to the Top
The No.1 ODI bowler ranking for Keshav Maharaj emphasizes his vital role in South Africa’s bowling attack. Therefore, his ability to dominate middle overs and claim key wickets makes this achievement well deserved.
