PAK vs NED: Misbah-ul-Haq Makes Shocking Claims On Pakistan's ODI Ranking, Saying They Achieved No. 1 Rank Facing Weaker Opponents

Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq made a surprising claim that Pakistan achieved the No. 1 ODI ranking by facing weaker opposition. Misbah-ul-Haq pointed out that the Babar Azam-led team secured victories against New Zealand and Australia’s lower-tier players at home.

Pakistan secured No. 1 in the format for the first time after a dominant 102-run victory over New Zealand in Karachi in May. They regained the top spot by clinching a series win against Afghanistan. It is worth noting that India currently holds the No. 1 rank in ODI cricket.

Ranking Doen’t Matter – Misbah-ul-Haq

During a discussion on A Sports, Misbah-ul-Haq cautioned against placing too much importance on Pakistan’s No. 1 ranking in cricket, emphasizing the need for realistic assessments beyond rankings.

“New Zealand and Australia came to Pakistan. They were the top-ranked teams. Their C and D team came. We won against them and our rating points increased. Then West Indies and other teams came and we won against them as well. We became happy by achieving No. 1 rank, but we should keep actual facts in mind,” said Misbah, as quoted by Cricket Pakistan.

“Australia’s C team even won one match against us. Then New Zealand’s D team came, as all their main players went for IPL. We need to realistically think where we stand as our main team is playing and their third tier players are playing, yet they are getting so close to us. Ranking doesn’t matter,” he added.

Earlier this year, Pakistan convincingly defeated New Zealand with a 4-1 scoreline in a four-match ODI series. They also whitewashed Afghanistan in the three-match series before the Asia Cup 2023.

Wasim Akram’s Opinion On Pakistan’s Ranking

During the same discussion, Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram stated that achieving the No. 1 ranking in the ICC rankings should only be celebrated if a team can maintain that position for a substantial period.

“We should celebrate the No. 1 ranking after remaining on top for six months at least,” Akram said.

The Babar Azam-led team is entering the ICC World Cup with four consecutive defeats, including two warm-up matches. Pakistan will face the Netherlands in their first World Cup match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday, October 6.

Also read: Misbah-Ul-Haq Rips Apart Babar Azam And PCB Days Before ICC World Cup 2023 Begins