Kohli becomes No.1 T20 batsman

Mumbai, March 29: Following consistent match-winning performances in the ongoing World T20, India's star batsman Virat Kohli on Tuesday reclaimed the No.1 spot in Intertiol Cricket Council (ICC) T20 rankings, while India retained the top spot in the team's rankings.

Kohli averages 92 runs per innings after scoring 184 runs in four matches in the tourment at a strike rate of over 132. He entered the tourment 24 points behind Aaron Finch, but has now opened up a 68-point advantage over the Australian. Martin Guptill is New Zealand’s highest ranked batsman after the opener moved up two places to third following his contribution of 125 runs in three matches at a strike rate of over 162.

West Indies’ flamboyant batsman Chris Gayle has gained one place and is now ranked sixth after scoring 104 runs in two innings at a stunning strike rate of 208.

England's Joe Root has rocketed 38 places to a career high 11th after scoring 168 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 150.

India (127 points), who will face the West Indies in the second semi-fil clash in Mumbai on March 31, have retained the top spot in the team’s T20 rankings, while the West Indies (120) have gained two points to move to third. New Zealand (122) are second.

In the first semi-fil New Zealand will face England in New Delhi on March 30.

England have also collected three points and are now seven points behind on 115 after winning three of their four matches.

In the bowlers' table, West Indies’ Samuel Badree has returned to the No.1 position. Badree has taken six wickets in four matches to date, while India’s Ravichandaran Ashwin has dropped from No.1 spot to third after maging just four wickets in as many matches.

India’s Ravindra Jadeja’s four wickets in four matches have moved him up three places to seventh, Jasprit Bumrah’s three wickets in four matches have lifted him 13 places to 13th and Ashish Nehra has leaped 14 places to 16th following his four wickets in as many matches. IANS