Pakistan become No. 1 ranked ODI team after series win vs Afghanistan

Pakistan decimated Afghanistan once again as they won the final ODI by 59 runs.

Pakistan made a strong statement before entering the big Asia Cup tournament later this month. Pakistan whitewashed Afghanistan 3-0 in the ODI series that took place in Sri Lanka. With this big win against Asian underdogs, they have gotten a big boost in their morale ahead of their big group A clash against India. Pakistan, with their dominating win over Afghanistan, are at the top of the ICC ODI team rankings. Now, they have 118 ratings, which is equal to that of Australia sitting at second place. They decimated Afghanistan by 59 runs in the final ODI of the series at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Before the three-match series against Afghanistan, Australia were at the top of the ranking with 118 points, while Pakistan were in second place with 115 points. Men in green, with three consecutive wins, overtook the Kangaroos in the ODI rankings. India are placed third with 113 points. Afghanistan remain in the same position as they will start the Asia Cup as the 9th-ranked team in the ODI rankings. Afghanistan did challenge the Babar Azam-led side in the series, and they were almost close to winning the second ODI. Afghanistan’s dismal batting performance let them down.

PCB chief Ashraf congratulates team

Pakistan Cricket Board chief Zaka Ashraf expressed his happiness as Pakistan got the number one spot. Zaka Ashraf said, “The achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and unity exhibited by our talented players and their unwavering focus on excellence. It is a proud moment for all of us as the Pakistan cricket team reclaims the top spot in the ODI rankings. I also want to congratulate and laud the efforts of the entire squad, coaching staff, and support personnel for their collective commitment to raising the Pakistan flag high.”

Pakistan thrashed Afghanistan by 142 runs in the first ODI after being bowled out for just 201 runs. Afghanistan, in reply, could only manage to score 59 runs and get a big thrashing for the Men in Green. In the second ODI, Afghanistan batters retaliated and scored 300 runs, but Pakistan somehow managed to chase the target and win the game by just one wicket. Similarly, in the final ODI, Afghanistan’s bowlers did a great job once to restrict Pakistan to 268 runs, but once against their batting unit collapsed and lost the game by 59 runs as they were bundled out on 209.

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