Pakistan’s top order batsman Shan Masood seemed like a different batsman after returning to the international side against South Africa, and has been one of the rays of hope for his side in the otherwise dismal batting performance. With scores of 19, 65, 44 and 61 against the Proteas in the two Tests, the top order batsman has moved up 22 places to a career-best 65th in the latest ICC Test Player Rankings. The 29-year-old has credited his stint at the domestic cricket for his improvement with the bat. Meanwhile, captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has moved up from 42nd to 37th place. Whereas, Asad Shafiq has benefited by five places to reach 24th position after scores of 20 and 88 while Babar Azam is only one slot behind after gaining two places. Among their bowlers, Shaheen Afridi has gained 13 slots to reach 60th place after taking four wickets in the match, which Pakistan lost by nine wickets to concede a decisive 2-0 lead in the three-match series. After already losing the Test series 2-0 against South Africa, Pakistan would aim to avoid a whitewash in the third Test at Johannesburg – starting January 11.