Pakistan cricket team scripted history after defeating New Zealand by 102 runs in the fourth ODI in Karachi. Pakistan have won the series 4-0, with a game to spare.
As a result, the men in Green leapfrogged to the first position in the ICC ODI Team Rankings. It is the first time that Pakistan is placed at the top, ever since the rankings began in January 2005. This is indeed a historic moment in the history of Pakistan cricket.
Before the commencement of the series, Pakistan was fifth on the rankings table, while New Zealand occupied second place. As we speak, Pakistan has 113 rating points and edges Australia and India merely by decimal points.
However, Pakistan should avoid a loss in the final ODI to stay in the top spot. A loss on Sunday in Karachi would see them slip to number 3, behind Australia and India. A No Result would be enough to secure first place.
It bodes well for Pakistan, given that the ODI World Cup is only a few months away this year.
Babar Azam Masterclass paved the way to the top for Pakistan
Babar Azam’s magnificent knock of 107 runs ensured that Pakistan beat the Kiwis by a margin of 102 runs. Pakistan scored 334-6 in the first innings. New Zealand was bundled out for 232 within 44 overs. Mohammad Wasim Jr. and Usama Mir were too hot to handle for the Kiwis.
Which are the top-ranked ODI sides in the world?
- Pakistan - 113 pts
- Australia - 113 pts
- India - 113 pts
- England - 111 pts
- New Zealand - 107 pts
- South Africa - 101 pts
- Bangladesh - 95 pts
- Sri Lanka - 86 pts
- West Indies - 72 pts
- Afghanistan - 71 pts
- Ireland - 51 pts
- Scotland - 45 pts
- Zimbabwe - 44 pts
- Nepal - 33 pts
- Netherlands - 30 pts
