Tsotsobe becomes World No 1 bowler after scintillating performance against Kiwis

Dunedin, Mar 11(ANI): South African paceman Lonwabo Tsotsobe has emerged as the No. 1 bowler on the Reliance Mobile ODI Bowling Rankings after his scintillating performance in the ODI series against New Zealand.

Tsotsobe was in second position behind Pakistani spinner Saeed Ajmal at the beginning of the series, but climbed to the top spot after claiming six wickets.

"I am not one for numbers but I do put in a lot of hard work and it is always special when you receive the recognition. I think I have been bowling some of the best spells of my career over the past five months and I hope that I can continue with that form. The most important aspect of my bowling is that I am contributing to the team's success and that is always something you strive for as a cricketer," Sport 24 quoted Tsotsobe, as saying.

His performances in ODI series against Australia and Sri Lanka helped him break into the top 10, and he also became the fastest South African player to take 50 limited-overs wickets, in only 27 appearances.

South African ODI skipper AB de Villiers lauded Tsotsobe for his hard work.

"Lopsy has been working very hard on his game, he deserves all of the credit that comes his way. He has been a vital asset for the bowling attack during the summer and has been a consistent threat to the opposition's batsmen. He has matured a lot as a bowler and has executed his skills and game-plans really well," de Villiers said. (ANI)