Pakistan achieved a flawless 3-0 victory against Afghanistan, propelling them to the coveted No. 1 position in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Rankings.
Following a brief hiatus from the top spot in May, Pakistan orchestrated a series whitewash against Afghanistan, reclaiming their throne as the premier ODI team. With a 2-0 lead heading into the third game, Pakistan showcased their dominance.
The initial ODI witnessed a stunning bowling performance, leading to a commanding 142-run win. The subsequent match unfolded as a nerve-wracking spectacle, with Pakistan narrowly clinching victory in the final over, leaving a single wicket standing.
The third ODI witnessed Pakistan’s solid batting in the latter half of the innings, resulting in a 59-run margin victory. Despite facing a mid-game setback, Pakistan rallied on the sluggish pitch, amassing 268 runs with outstanding half-centuries from Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam.
Faheem Ashraf’s early double-wicket breakthrough and strategic spin bowling maintained Afghanistan’s struggle, while Mujeeb ur Rahman’s 26-ball fifty showcased resistance.
However, Pakistan’s total proved insurmountable for Afghanistan. The series conclusion highlighted Shadab’s exceptional three-wicket performance, sealing Pakistan’s whitewash triumph.
Pakistan has notably dominated the ODI scene in the past year, with triumphant 3-0 sweeps against West Indies and Netherlands in 2022 and a triumphant 2-1 series against New Zealand in January 2023.
Adding to their triumphs, Pakistan’s victory against New Zealand in the April five-game ODI series solidified their stature. With the recent 3-0 series conquest, Pakistan now ascends to the No. 1 rank in the ODI rankings.
Previously, Australia held the top rank with 118 rating points, while Pakistan secured second place with 115.8 rating points. Presently, Pakistan claims the pinnacle with 118.48 rating points, and Australia maintains the second rank with unchanged points.
As the cricketing world anticipates the forthcoming Asia Cup and other gripping ODI competitions building up to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, potential shifts loom among the leading trio: Pakistan, Australia, and India.
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