The top performers in the Asia Cup 2022 have made giant strides in the updated ICC T20I rankings, with all-rounder Hardik Pandya headlining the gains.

Hardik played a key role with both bat and ball in India’s thrilling five-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai last Sunday (August 28).

After India opted to bowl first, Hardik returned with the bowling figures of 3 for 25 in his four overs, helping his team bundle out Pakistan for just 147 in 19.5 overs. He then shined with the bat, scoring 33* off 17 balls to take his team over the line with two deliveries to spare.

Hardik’s brilliance against Pakistan helped him jump eight places on the T20I all-rounder rankings, up to fifth position, his highest ever spot.

Afghanistan’s players have also been awarded for their stunning display in the tournament. With three wickets in two games, Rashid Khan’s push for the numero uno position has been helped with a two-spot jump to third (708 points), over fellow leg-spinners Adil Rashid and Adam Zampa.

Left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi (716) is occupying the second spot while Josh Hazlewood (792) holds the summit position.

Rashid’s compatriot Mujeeb Ur Rahman has entered the top 10 with five scalps in two games. He has moved up seven slots to reach eighth position.

There were no new entrants in the T20I batting top 10, though there was a push from Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan, moving up to second (796) to join Babar Azam (810) in the top two. Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai’s innings of 23 (26) and 37 (28) led to a three-spot rise to 14th (611). Teammate Rahmanullah Gurbaz meanwhile moved up five spots to 29th.

(With ICC inputs)