Proteas spin bowler Tabraiz Shamsi is officially the best T20 bowler in the world.
Despite having last played T20I cricket against Pakistan on February 14, Shamsi moved into pole position when the International Cricket Council announced their new rankings yesterday.
With 733 points gathered in his 28 T20Is in which he took 27 wickets at an economy rate of 7.38 to date, Shamsi leads Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan (719) in second place.
Andile Phehlukwayo (559) is the next South African on the list, down in joint 22nd place alongside England’s Jofra Archer.
Surprised about his number one spot, Shamsi says: “I was actually with my wife and baby boy when I found out about me being ranked No.1 in T20s in the world now...
“It really caught me by surprise, especially because we’re not playing at this present moment... a very good surprise.
“In a way it is quite nice and pleasing – just as a sign that I’m doing the right things.
“I’ve flown under the radar and it’s nice to be ranked No.1 in the world.
“But at the end of the day, I just want to do my best to help the team win. I like to contribute towards the team winning games.”
He adds: “I’m always fired up to do well for my country – it doesn’t matter if I’m first or 100th, I’m always pumped up.
“You can see that in my celebrations. If I’m on that field, the only thing I am thinking about is trying to make the team win and our country proud.”