A 3-0 ODI series victory by Pakistan over Afghanistan has taken them beyond Australia, helping them become the No. 1 team on the ODI Rankings.
Following a brief interval in May when they held the top spot for the first time ever after registering a win against New Zealand, Pakistan's series sweep against Afghanistan enabled them to reclaim their No.1 position in the Men's ODI Rankings.
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Heading into the third match, Pakistan had already established a 2-0 series lead and they needed a win to climb the top of the table. Their first ODI victory came via a remarkable bowling exhibition, resulting in a commanding 142-run win, when they bowled out Afghanistan for 59 runs.
The subsequent match unfolded as a gripping spectacle, with the Pakistani team narrowly clinching victory in the final over, with just one wicket in hand.
The third ODI on Saturday, ended with a 59-run win for Pakistan, owing to a strong performance in the latter half of their batting innings.
Despite a mid-innings stutter, they displayed resilience on a sluggish pitch, making 268 runs. Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam both notched half-centuries, contributing to the team's total.
In response, Faheem Ashraf got two early wickets, before the spinners got into the game. Mujeeb ur Rahman countered with a brisk half-century in 26 balls, yet Pakistan's total proved insurmountable for Afghanistan.
Shadab's three-wicket haul rounded off the win for the side.
Speaking after the series won and after becoming the top ranked side, Pakistan skipper Babar said: “We are number one in ODIs. All credit to the boys, they are working hard. We had a small camp in Lahore. All credit to the boys and the management.
“One of the best spin sides – Afghanistan. That should help us in Asia Cup. The conditions weren't easy while batting first. Rizwan and I tried to build a partnership and take it deep. We have a good bunch of players.
“We tried different combinations. In a couple of days we have our first Asia Cup match. Saud is selected for Asia Cup. He's a very good player of spin.”
Pakistan continue fine ODI run
Pakistan's victory. The Asian side has been a dominant force in the ODI format over the past year. In 2022, they secured comprehensive 3-0 wins over West Indies and Netherlands. Their success extended with a 2-1 series triumph against New Zealand on home soil in January 2023.
A subsequent five-match ODI duel against New Zealand in April culminated in Pakistan's triumph with a 4-1 series scoreline. This latest 3-0 series conquest has now elevated them to the top of the rankings.
Preceding the Afghanistan series, Australia held the top position with a tally of 118 rating points, while Pakistan trailed at second place with 115.8 rating points. Presently, Pakistan have the top position with 118.48 rating points, while Australia maintains their second-place standing with unaltered points.
