ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Team is on the verge of ascending to the No.1 position in the ICC One Day International (ODI) Ranking if they secure victories in all three matches against Afghanistan in the upcoming series to be held in Sri Lanka. The potential achievement follows Pakistan’s previous stint at the top in May, which was briefly disrupted by a slip in performance.
Having garnered a rating of 116 in the current ICC ODI Ranking, Pakistan aims to surpass Australia, the current top-ranked team with a rating of 118. This aspiration underscores the team’s commitment to achieving excellence on the cricketing stage.
Pakistan’s ascent to the No.1 ranking would not only reflect their prowess but also serve as a considerable morale boost ahead of key tournaments, including the Asia Cup and the World Cup. The team’s consistent performances have propelled them to a position where this milestone is within reach.
Pakistan’s Preparations for International Events
While Pakistan’s primary goal is to clinch the series against Afghanistan, the cricketing world is closely watching this contest as the outcome could have significant ramifications for the ICC ODI Ranking. A whitewash of Afghanistan would not only elevate Pakistan’s status but also contribute to their preparation for the upcoming international events.
Securing a victory in the series is pivotal for Pakistan, not only for the purpose of regaining the top spot but also for maintaining their second position. If Afghanistan clinches the series, Pakistan’s ranking could shift to third, below India. However, even if Pakistan manages to win the series with a 2-1 scoreline after losing one match, they could retain their position above India.
The dynamics of ranking calculations in this series are influenced by Afghanistan’s current eighth-place ranking. Victories against lower-ranked teams yield fewer points, while losses to such teams result in larger point deductions.
