Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal climbed to the second position in the ICC Player Rankings for Test bowlers after Pakistan defeated England by 72 runs in the second Test on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
Abdur Rehman also made it to the top 10 Test bowlers for the first time in his career, by making his way to the number nine spot, said a press release by ICC on Sunday.
Ajmal, 34, earned 50 ratings points for this achievement giving him a career-best rating, and now leads England's fast bowler James Anderson by 25 ratings points but still trails number-one ranked Dale Steyn of South Africa by 84 ratings points.
Left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman, who had figures of two for 67 and six for 25 to win the man of the match award, jumped five places to ninth spot. The 31-year-old from Sialkot had also gained five places in the bowlers' rankings after his match figures of four for 89 in the Dubai Test.
It is for the first time after 23 years that two Pakistan spinners have together made it to the top 10 of the Test player rankings.
In September 1988, Abdul Qadir was ranked fifth and Iqbal Qasim tenth, along with Imran Khan (third), Wasim Akram (eighth) and Tauseef Ahmed (13th).
The very fact that Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez are currently the two top-ranked ODI bowlers means this is undoubtedly one of the finest periods for Pakistan spinners in the history of the game, said the press release.
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Great work Ajmal, He also has contribution in Abdul Rehman's success.Overll, great fighting spirit and team work. Having said this Pakistan still needs atleast one good quality fast bowler (bowling 140+) and need Umar Akmal back in middle order (but after proper psychological conselling).
proud of the pakistani cricket team
well deserved
i am from india but i admit that even sachin cannot play saeed and we have seen it in world cup 2011.i pity for england.they are facing the best spinner in the world.
Ajmal You beauty
We will rock the world...
How about re=play of World Cup Semi Final??
this is the beginnin, v hav so many hopes from r heroes.
BRAVO ....... We are proud of you, Our Heads are up against those who alleged us against conspiracy to cheat, We have brought pride to the game of cricket always.
here u go, Love u Ajmal u r my hero :)