South Africa’s veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s ODI bowling rankings at the age of 35, following his match-winning spell of five for 33 against Australia in the first ODI at Cairns. Maharaj’s brilliance with the ball spearheaded South Africa to a commanding 98-run win, a result that not only gave his team a series lead but also elevated him back to the top of the global bowling charts.
This is the second time Maharaj has climbed to the summit of ODI bowling. He first held the spot briefly in late 2023, but his latest rise is even more significant, proving his longevity and continued mastery in the format. Against Australia, Maharaj’s control, subtle variation, and ability to choke scoring opportunities dismantled the hosts’ chase. He ripped through the middle order, removing key batters and ensuring Australia never got close to the 297-run target.
The latest update to the rankings paints an intriguing picture of the balance of power in ODI bowling. Maharaj now sits ahead of Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana, who dropped to second place, and India’s Kuldeep Yadav, who holds third. Remarkably, Namibia’s left-arm spinner Bernard Scholtz has climbed to fourth, becoming the first bowler from his nation to break into the ICC’s Top 5 rankings. Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan rounds out the top five, reinforcing the dominance of spin bowling in the format’s current landscape.
India has further reason to celebrate, with two of their bowlers now featuring in the top ten. Kuldeep’s consistency has kept him among the very best, while another Indian spinner continues to make inroads, ensuring that India’s attack remains one of the strongest in ODI cricket. For South Africa, Maharaj’s resurgence is particularly timely. With his team balancing between transition and experience, his ability to lead from the front provides both stability and inspiration.
The Cairns performance was more than just numbers—it was a lesson in control under pressure. On a surface offering some grip, Maharaj exploited every inch of assistance, attacking the stumps, varying his pace cleverly, and ensuring Australia’s batting never found rhythm. His spell dismantled their chase, and he walked away with a deserved Player of the Match award.
For Namibia, Scholtz’s entry into the top tier is a landmark achievement. It highlights the strides associate nations are making and reflects how their players, once overlooked, are now pushing boundaries on the global stage. His presence alongside world-class spinners from South Africa, India, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan sends a powerful message about the depth and reach of the modern game.
At 35, Maharaj’s climb back to the top is a testament to both his fitness and his hunger. In a sport increasingly driven by youth, he has shown that experience and craft remain invaluable. His rise adds fresh intrigue to the ODI format, where the battle of spinners continues to define matches. For now, Maharaj stands as the best in the world—proof that quality endures.