Australia allrounder Shane Watson climbed four places to third on Wednesday on the ICC Twenty20 rankings after dominating the group stage of the World T20.

Watson made 51 run out and 41 not out against Ireland and West Indies last week, earning two man-of-the match awards, while also taking 3-26 and 2-29.

The Australia vice-captain’s career-best third ranking for batsmen places him below only New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum and West Indies master blaster Chris Gayle.

Watson has also maintained his No.1 ranking for allrounders and remains seventh on the bowlers’ rankings.

Australia coach Mickey Arthur says he challenged Watson earlier this month to put his stamp on the event with bat and ball and put himself among the contenders for player of the tournament.

George Bailey’s Australia side have climbed two spots to seventh on the team rankings after winning both their group matches to qualify for the Super Eights.

They’ll face India in Colombo on Friday night.