Pakistan’s red-ball cricket received a significant boost as spinner Noman Ali and middle-order batter Saud Shakeel climbed the ICC Men’s Test Rankings following their recent impressive performances. The update has positioned both players among the elite in world cricket, underlining their growing impact on the international stage.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali has broken into the top five of the ICC Test bowling rankings for the first time in his career. With 806 rating points, he now holds the fourth spot, reflecting his consistency and wicket-taking prowess. His rise signals a strengthening of Pakistan’s spin department in red-ball cricket.

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On the batting side, Test vice-captain Saud Shakeel continued his upward trajectory by securing ninth place in the latest Test batting rankings. Known for his calm temperament and reliable middle-order presence, Shakeel’s promotion into the top 10 cements his status as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s Test lineup.

While the gains of Noman and Shakeel brought encouragement, there were minor setbacks for other national players. Mohammad Rizwan, Shan Masood, and Abdullah Shafique each slipped one place in the batting charts. However, Babar Azam and Salman Ali Agha maintained their positions, while bowlers Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Sajid Khan held steady in the top 40.

Internationally, Joe Root remains the world’s top Test batter, with India’s Jasprit Bumrah leading the bowling rankings. South Africa’s Aiden Markram and Mitchell Starc also registered gains after stellar performances in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s.