Pakistan’s cricket team finds itself on the verge of claiming the coveted No.1 ranking in One Day Internationals (ODIs), just weeks before the commencement of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The team, led by the in-form Babar Azam, secured a nail-biting one-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Hambantota on Thursday, clinching an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-game series.
The closely fought victory not only bolstered Pakistan’s confidence but also elevated their ODI team rating, positioning them just shy of the top-ranked Australia. A victory in the third and final match of the ongoing series against Afghanistan could propel Pakistan to the pinnacle of the No.1 ranked one-day side, a feat that could materialize as early as Saturday.
This impending triumph on the ODI ranking table comes as a tremendous morale booster for Pakistan, coinciding with the countdown to this year’s 50-over cricket extravaganza, set to unfold in India. Babar Azam’s team is considered among the favorites to clinch their second World Cup title, with their first and only victory dating back to 1992 in Australia.
The ongoing year has showcased Pakistan’s prowess, with a commendable record of 10 ODI matches and only three losses – all against New Zealand. Their performance in the Afghanistan series, both with the bat and ball, underscores their determination to ascend to the No.1 position, currently held by Australia.
In addition to their team achievements, Pakistan boasts a roster of high-ranking ODI players. Babar Azam leads the MRF Tyres ODI Batter rankings, while teammates Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman hold the third and fifth positions respectively. This collective effort has not only enhanced Pakistan’s reputation but has also solidified their claim to the summit of ODI cricket.
With the conclusion of the Afghanistan series, Pakistan’s cricket journey continues with their participation in the 2023 Asia Cup. Kicking off their campaign against Nepal in Multan on August 30, the team will use the tournament as a stepping stone before facing formidable opponents like New Zealand and Australia in official World Cup warm-up fixtures. Their inaugural clash in the highly anticipated tournament is scheduled against the Netherlands in Hyderabad on October 6.
As cricket enthusiasts and analysts eagerly await the unfolding of these events, the anticipation surrounding Pakistan’s potential ascent to the No.1 ODI team ranking adds an extra layer of excitement to what promises to be a captivating ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
