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Pakistan Achieve Top ODI Team Ranking Weeks Before World Cup 2023

image-llrpvdm2Pakistan captain Babar Azam in action against Afghanistan (Twitter)

Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 dreams just injected itself with a massive boost as the ‘Men in Green’ have attained number one team ranking in ODI cricket. The Asian powerhouse achieved the same following their thrilling one-wicket win over Afghanistan in the second ODI of their ongoing three-match series in Sri Lanka.

With the win, Pakistan displaced Australia from the top and extended their difference from number three-ranked India.


Pakistan reach ODI summit before World Cup 2023

Pakistan, under captain Babar Azam, larruped Afghanistan in the first ODI by 142 runs in Hambantota. The ‘Men in Green’ further prevailed in the second game, albeit in a final-over thriller with a ball and a wicket to spare.

Pakistan’s latest set of wins over Afghanistan have catapulted them up in the ICC ODI Team rankings, thus accomplishing the feat just weeks ahead of the impending ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.

Meanwhile, Australia slipped to number two while India, New Zealand and England occupy the next three slots in the top 10 standings.

Babar Azam and co. can further enhance their rankings, depending upon their performances in the forthcoming Asia Cup 2023 at home and in Sri Lanka. Prior to the premier continental tournament, they will also go up against Afghanistan in the dead-rubber third ODI of their series.

Pakistan’s impending set of fixtures serve as their final chance of dress rehearsal ahead of the all-important World Cup 2023 in India. They will launch their campaign with a match against the Netherlands on October 6 and will go up against arch-rivals and tournament hosts India at the Narendra Modi Stadium on October 14.