Pakistan cricket team has a golden opportunity to secure the number one position in the ICC One Day International (ODI) rankings for the first time. On Wednesday, Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 26 runs in the third ODI match, thereby achieving an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
In the third ODI match, Pakistan scored 287 runs for the loss of six wickets in the allotted overs. Imam-ul-Haq played a brilliant inning of 90 runs, while Babar Azam contributed 54 runs to the team’s total. In reply, New Zealand were bowled out for 261 runs in 49.1 overs.
Pakistan now has a golden opportunity to top the ICC ODI rankings for the first time. Currently, Australia is at the top of the rankings with 113 rating points, followed by India and England in second and third place respectively. Pakistan is currently in fourth place with 110 rating points.
If Pakistan wins the remaining two matches against New Zealand in the ODI series, they will achieve a clean sweep and a 5-0 victory, which will propel them to the top of the ICC ODI rankings for the first time.
It is worth noting that the remaining two matches of the series between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played on Friday and Sunday.
