De Villiers moved up two places after an astonishing knock of 176 in the second match of the ongoing series against Bangladesh in Paarl.

It marks the 14th occasion on which the 33-year-old has topped the standings. 

His total of 2,124 days at the top of the list is second only to West Indian legend Sir Viv Richards, who managed 2,306.

India captain Virat Kohli lies in second place with Australian David Warner third.

Pakistan's Babar Azam moves up two places to a career best fourth while another South African in Quinton de Kock rises by three to third. 

He shares that position with England Test captain Joe Root.

Ali's haul of five for 34 in the third ODI against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi helps him become the fifth bowler of the year to hold the top spot after New Zealand's Trent Boult, South African duo Imran Tahir and Kagiso Rabada and Australian Josh Hazlewood.

Tahir still lies second with Hazlewood third and Rabada fourth.

Australia's Mitchell Starc lies fifth.

South Africa and India are each tied on 120 points in the team standings.

Australia and England are next, both on 114, with New Zealand fifth on 111 and Pakistan sixth on 98.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka complete the top eight on respective totals of 92 and 84.