Pakistan have overtaken Australia in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) one-day international (ODI) rankings, announced on Wednesday. The Green Shirts climbed to fourth place with 103 rating points after consecutive wins over Sri Lanka and England in the opening two matches of the ODI tri-series.
South Africa retained third place with 104 points, while India stayed at the top with 115. New Zealand were closely behind India, six rating points adrift.
Pakistan open tri-series with win over Sri Lanka
Pakistan began their campaign with a 37-run victory over Sri Lanka. Salman Ali Agha scored a century, helping the home side reach a total of 305.
In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs, mainly due to the impressive bowling of Pakistan’s fast bowlers. Shaheen Afridi led the bowling charts with a three-wicket haul.
Hasan Nawaz and Minhas lead fightback against England
In the second match against England, Pakistan posted 302-9 in 50 overs after lower-order contributions. Hasan Nawaz top-scored with 79, while Arafat Minhas made 59. Their 78-run sixth-wicket partnership rescued Pakistan from a difficult position and took the total past 200.
England were bowled out for 215 in 38.4 overs. Minhas tore through the middle order to take a career-best six for 40 in 8.4 overs, earning the player of the match award for his all-round display.
