Saeed Ajmal becomes world`s highest-ranked spinner

Dubai: Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has become world`s highest-ranked spinner after bowling Pakistan to a 10-wicket win over number-one ranked England in the first Test which ended in three days in Dubai.

The 34-year-old from Faisalabad not only won the man of the match award for his figures of seven for 55 and three for 42, but also achieved a number-three ranking. Saeed, who ended with his second 10-wicket haul in his 18th Test for Pakistan, has jumped nine places and while doing so, also leapfrogged England`s off-spinner Graeme Swann who has slipped one position to fourth, the ICC said in a statement. Saeed, who earned 117 ratings points for his magnificent bowling performance, now has England`s second-ranked James Anderson firmly within his sights as he trails by 37 ratings points. Saeed`s spin partner Abdur Rehman has also achieved a career-best ranking. Left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman was awarded for his match figures of four for 89 with a leap of five places which has put him in 14th position. Ajmal termed his top ranking as a "great honour." "It`s a great honour to be the best spinner in the world but performing in my team`s win is always more important for me than anything else," Ajmal said. Agencies