Mustafizur Rahman’s return to the top 10 in the ICC T20I bowling rankings is a significant milestone for the Bangladesh pacer, marking his resurgence as one of the world’s elite T20 bowlers after a gap of nearly four years.
As of July 2025, Mustafizur is ranked joint ninth in the ICC T20I bowling list, sharing the spot with India’s Arshdeep Singh, each with a rating of 653 points.
Mustafizur Rahman’s Climb to the Top 10: Key Details
Mustafizur last featured in the top 10 of the ICC T20I bowling rankings in October 2021. Since then, his ranking had slipped, but his recent performances, especially the series against Pakistan in 2025, have propelled him back into the elite group of bowlers.
- Remarkable Performance Against Pakistan:
The turning point was Mustafizur’s outstanding bowling in the bilateral T20 series against Pakistan. In the first match, he bowled 4 overs, conceding only 6 runs while taking 2 wickets (4-0-6-2). In the second match, he bowled 3.2 overs for just 15 runs, taking 1 wicket. His economical bowling and wicket-taking ability played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s historic 2-0 series win over Pakistan, their first-ever T20 series triumph against their neighboring cricket rival. - Overall Impact in 2025:
Over this year in T20 internationals, Mustafizur has taken 7 wickets at an average of 9.85, underlining his effectiveness and consistency in the shortest format. - Other Bangladesh Players Rising:
Alongside Mustafizur, other Bangladesh bowlers have also risen in the ICC rankings, indicating a strengthening bowling unit. Off-spinner Mehedi Hasan moved up nine places to 16th, pacers Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Shoriful Islam also rose 9 and 14 places respectively, showcasing Bangladesh’s improving bowling depth.
Why Mustafizur’s Ranking Rise Matters?
Mustafizur’s rise in the ICC T20I bowling rankings reflects both his skill and the increasing competitiveness of Bangladesh cricket in T20 internationals.
- Skillset and Strengths:
Mustafizur Rahman is a left-arm fast-medium bowler known for his deceptive slower deliveries and cutters, which make him especially lethal in T20 cricket. His ability to bowl tight economical spells while also taking wickets regularly makes him a valuable asset for Bangladesh. - Consistency:
Rising 17 places to get back into the top 10 after several years is a testament to his consistent performances this year rather than isolated success. His control over line and length, combined with clever variations, has made him a difficult bowler to score against. - Bangladesh’s Growing T20 Profile:
The team’s historic series win against Pakistan and the rise in rankings of multiple players show Bangladesh’s evolution as a formidable T20 side. Mustafizur, leading this charge, adds to the team’s confidence and international reputation. - Comparison with Peers:
The current top bowlers in the ICC T20I rankings include New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy, England’s Adil Rashid, India’s Varun Chakravarthy, and others. Being grouped with such names underscores Mustafizur’s elite status on the global T20 stage.
ICC T20I Bowling Rankings
| Rank | Player | Team | Rating |
| 1 | Jacob Duffy | New Zealand | 733 |
| 2 | Adil Rashid | England | 710 |
| 3 | Varun Chakravarthy | India | 706 |
| 4 | Akeal Hosein | West Indies | 694 |
| 5 | Adam Zampa | Australia | 693 |
| 6 | Wanindu Hasaranga | Sri Lanka | 679 |
| 7 | Ravi Bishnoi | India | 674 |
| 8 | Rashid Khan | Afghanistan | 664 |
| 9 | Mustafizur Rahman | Bangladesh | 653 |
| 9 | Arshdeep Singh | India | 653 |
Final Analysis
The achievement by Mustafizur Rahman to be in the ICC T20I rankings in the year 2025 indicates that he is back in shape and playing important matches. His rapid elevation following the Pakistan T20 series has revived his position as a top T20 bowler on the world scene. The feat is also an indicator of the increased competitiveness of Bangladesh in the shortest game, with other bowlers in its team also doing well.
To cricket enthusiasts who have been following the Bangladesh and T20 international teams, the re-entry of Mustafizur to the top 10 is an inspiration and a cause of optimism in the bowling department of the team. His abilities, experience, and the way he has performed in the recent games indicate that he would still be a boss in the Bangladesh strategy of major upcoming events such as the Asia Cup 2025 and the World Cup in 2026.
It is not only the Bangladesh cricket fans who should follow this progress, but also the overall cricket world, since Mustafizur Rahman is locking up again a place in the top tier of T20 bowlers in the world.
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