Babar Returns to ICC Test Top 10 as Pakistan Stars Rise
Pakistan cricket received a fresh boost on Wednesday as Babar Azam returned to the top 10 of the ICC Men’s Test batting rankings, while Abdullah Shafique and Sajid Khan also made notable gains after Pakistan’s recent success in the West Indies. The development quickly became a major sports headline for Pakistani fans, especially because it marked a strong individual response from senior players under pressure.
The ranking movement came after Pakistan defeated the West Indies by eight wickets in the second match of their ICC World Test Championship series. The victory was important not only for the points table but also because it ended Pakistan’s long wait for an away Test win, giving the squad renewed confidence in foreign conditions.
Babar played a central role in the result with a composed 88 in the first innings and an unbeaten 24 in the chase. Those contributions helped him move up five positions to 10th in the updated Test batting rankings, putting him back among the elite batters in the longest format.
The official rankings update also highlighted Abdullah Shafique’s rise after his unbeaten 160 in the first innings. His performance moved him 25 places up to 32nd among Test batters, a major jump for a player whose form and consistency have been closely watched by selectors, coaches and supporters.
For Babar, the return to the top 10 carries added significance because it is his first appearance in that bracket since September 2024. The former No. 1 batter has faced intense scrutiny during periods of inconsistency, but the latest movement suggests he may be rebuilding his red-ball rhythm at an important stage of Pakistan’s World Test Championship cycle.
Shafique’s progress is equally important for Pakistan’s batting structure. A long unbeaten innings away from home strengthens his claim as a dependable top-order option, while also easing pressure on the middle order. Pakistan have often struggled with batting collapses in overseas Tests, making such contributions valuable beyond personal numbers.
Sajid Khan also gained ground after an influential bowling display in the same Test. The off-spinner climbed five places to 30th among Test bowlers and also moved up to 32nd in the Test all-rounders’ list, reflecting his growing value in conditions where Pakistan need discipline, control and wicket-taking support from spin.
The broader rankings picture still features global leaders at the top, but Pakistan’s triple boost is a positive sign for a team trying to strengthen its Test identity. Consistent movement by senior and emerging players can improve morale, increase competition for places and help Pakistan approach upcoming red-ball assignments with greater belief.
The next challenge for Pakistan will be turning these individual gains into sustained team progress. Babar, Shafique and Sajid will now be expected to build on their rankings surge, while the team management will look for consistency as Pakistan continues its campaign in the World Test Championship.