AFG vs PAK: Pakistan On The Verge Of Reclaiming Number One Spot In ICC ODI Ranking
Published - 25 Aug 2023, 02:07 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:17 AM
Pakistan are on the verge of reclaiming the top spot in the ICC ODI team rankings after sealing the ongoing three-match series against Afghanistan. The Babar Azam-led side, on Thursday (August 24), beat Afghanistan by 1 wicket in the second ODI to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
A stunning 151-run innings from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and an 80-run knock from Ibrahim Zadran helped Afghanistan post 300 for 5 in the allotted 50 overs. In reply, Pakistan crossed the finishing line with one ball to spare. For Pakistan, Imam-ul-Haq (91) and captain Babar Azam (53) scored fifties while Shadab Khan also played a crucial 48-run knock before Naseem Shah’s two fours in the final over sealed the game.
Top ODI rank within sight for Pakistan:
Thanks to the series win over Afghanistan, Pakistan have the opportunity to rise to the top of the ICC ODI Rankings ahead of the upcoming World Cup and the Asia Cup. They are just one win away from moving to the top of the rankings.
At present, Australia are on the top followed by Pakistan and India at the second and third spot respectively. Pakistan could displace Australia from the top of the ODI team rankings as early as Saturday with a victory over Afghanistan in the third and final match of the ongoing series.
It will be a huge confidence booster for Pakistan who are one of the favourites for the upcoming Asia Cup as well as the World Cup. The Men in Green have not won the Asia Cup since 2012 while their last victory at the World Cup came way back in 1992 when Imran Khan led them to their first-ever World Cup title in Australia.
Pakistan are in fine form in ODIs this year. They have played 10 games this year and have lost just three so far. Their performance with ball and bat in the ongoing series against Afghanistan has once again proved their credentials for the Asia Cup and the World Cup. Pakistan will open their campaign in the Asia Cup next against Nepal in Multan.
After the Asia Cup, they will take on New Zealand and Australia in official warm-up fixtures for the World Cup before opening their campaign in the main event against the Netherlands in Hyderabad on October 6.