For the First Time Ever After Babar Azam Breaks Massive ODI Record
Pakistan topped New Zealand to grab the top place in the ICC ODI rankings for the first time since the official team ranking system was created in 2005, following a comfortable victory against New Zealand in the fourth ODI in Karachi on Friday. The skipper, Babar Azam, struck 107 runs off 117 balls, helping the Men in Green achieve a respectable total of 334 runs while also being the fastest player to 5000 runs and 18 centuries. Pakistan must whitewash the second-string Black Caps in order to keep its place.
Pakistan was placed fifth in the ODI rankings before to the start of the series, with 106 rating points. They were on fire in the first two ODIs, chasing down large totals. They went on to win the third ODI in Karachi by 26 runs, pushing them ahead of England and New Zealand in the points standings and into third position overall behind Australia and India. Babar Azam’s 18th ODI century and other contributions helped Pakistan win the fourth ODI by a huge 102 runs and take the top place in the ODI standings.
In response, New Zealand’s skipper Tom Latham (60), Mark Chapman (46) and Daryl Mitchell (34) were all out for 232 in 43.4 overs. Pakistan’s top bowler was leg-spinner Usma Mir, who produced a career-high 4-43, and pacers Mohammad Wasim (3-40) and Haris Rauf (2-37).
Pakistan presently leads the list of ODI teams with 113.483 rating points, followed by Australia (113.286) and India (112.638). If they lose the last ODI, they will fall to third place, and Australia will reclaim first place. New Zealand will remain in fifth position regardless of the outcome of the last game. If the fifth game is cancelled or results in a draw, Pakistan will remain in first place.
