India pacer Jasprit Bumrah will look to maintain his top position in the ICC ODI bowlers ranking during the Asia Cup which begins here on Saturday.
“The Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates is going to be huge and I’m really looking forward to doing my best here,” Bumrah said.
“Being at the top of the ICC rankings is a matter of great pride for me. We will be playing against some leading players and I know the conditions can be challenging but I’m hoping to be at my best.”
Several leading players, including Bumrah, will go into the Asia Cup aiming to consolidate their positions ICC rankings and also use the multi-nation tournament to prepare for next year’s Cricket World Cup.
While Bumrah, who has a lead of 20 points over Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan, will hope to continue to hold on to his numerouno status, spinners KuldeepYadav (sixth) and YuzvendraChahal (joint-ninth) too will look to consolidate position in the top 10.
Pakistan’s Hasan Ali is also looking to claw his way back two spots to number one in the bowlers ranking.
The Asia Cup commences with a match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Dubai on Saturday.
Among batsmen, Pakistan’s Babar will also look to bridge the big gap with ViratKohli, who is not playing in this tournament.
“We as a team are looking forward to the Asia Cup and I have some extra incentive in my individual ranking,” second-ranked batsman Babar said.
“I know Virat is way ahead in terms of rating points but this is definitely a chance to consolidate my position at number two and gain some valuable ranking points.”