Babar Azam racked up an 81-ball fifty against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi, but faced criticism for not being able to accelerate with Pakistan chasing 321.

Shubman Gill replaces Babar Azam as the top-ranked ODI batter, while Maheesh Theekshana claims the No.1 bowling spot ahead of Champions Trophy 2025.

Gill, who scored two fifties and a century in the recent three-match ODI series against England at home which India won 3-0, jumped one place to the No. 1 spot. He now has 796 rating points compared to Babar's 773.

Shubman Gill has been in fine form recently, scoring two fifties and a century in the recent three-match ODI series against England at home which India won 3-0

Indian cricketer Shubman Gill has overtaken Babar Azam to become the world's No.1 batter in the ICC ODI rankings. Shubman's outstanding performance in the three-match series against England led to the achievement of this milestone on Wednesday, February 19.

Afghanistan veteran Mohammad Nabi maintains a lead at the top of the rankings for ODI all-rounders, with Santner gaining one place inside the top 10 to move up to sixth overall.

The 30-year-old averages 55.7 in 50-over internationals, amassing 6,017 runs with 19 centuries across his 126 matches

Gill, who has displaced Pakistan's Babar Azam at the top, will now enter the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy as the top-ranked ODI batter. Gill's phenomenal form has raised hopes for his performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy. He finished the England series as the highest run-scorer with 259 runs.