Pakistan has achieved a major milestone in their quest to win the 2023 Cricket World Cup, becoming the number one team in the ICC ODI Team Rankings. The achievement comes just weeks ahead of the tournament, which will be held in India.
Pakistan’s rise to the top was confirmed after their thrilling one-wicket win over Afghanistan in the second ODI of their ongoing three-match series in Sri Lanka. The win gave Pakistan an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, has been in excellent form in recent months and is currently the top-ranked ODI batsman in the world. He has scored 903 runs in his last 10 ODI innings, at an average of 90.30.
Other key contributors to Pakistan’s success have been Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, and Mohammad Rizwan. Zaman has scored 700 runs in his last 10 ODI innings, at an average of 70.00, while Imam-ul-Haq has scored 641 runs at an average of 64.10. Rizwan is the leading wicket-taker in the series with eight wickets.
Pakistan’s bowlers have also been impressive, with Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali leading the way. Afridi has taken 10 wickets in the series, while Ali has taken nine wickets.
Pakistan’s rise to the top of the ODI rankings is a major boost ahead of the World Cup. They will be hoping to build on their recent form and challenge for the title in India.
In addition to the World Cup, Pakistan also has the Asia Cup to look forward to. The tournament will be held in Sri Lanka and the UAE from August 30 to September 15. Pakistan will be looking to win the Asia Cup for the first time since 2012.
Pakistan’s recent form suggests that they are one of the favorites for both the World Cup and the Asia Cup. They will be a tough team to beat if they can maintain their current level of performance.
Here are some additional details about Pakistan’s rise to the top of the ODI rankings:
- Pakistan last topped the ODI rankings in January 2007.
- They have been ranked number one for a total of 20 weeks, the third-most of any team.
- Australia has been ranked number one for the most weeks, with 168 weeks.
- India has been ranked number one for 149 weeks.
- England has been ranked number one for 117 weeks.
Pakistan’s rise to the top of the ODI rankings is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team. They have been playing some excellent cricket in recent months, and they will be a force to be reckoned with in the World Cup.
The team’s success is also due in part to the leadership of Babar Azam. He has been a consistent performer at the top of the order, and he has also been a valuable leader in the dressing room.
Pakistan will be hoping to maintain their current form and win the World Cup in India. They will be a tough team to beat, and they will be one of the favorites to lift the trophy.
