Pakistan has climbed to the top of the International One Day International (ODI) cricket world rankings after a recent improvement. Due to Australia’s surprising loss to South Africa, Pakistan has risen back to the top of the rankings despite a fairly unimpressive showing in the Asia Cup, where they failed to advance to the final.
A record loss to longtime rival India and a loss to Sri Lanka in the final over derailed Pakistan’s Asia Cup campaign. However, Australia was demoted in the rankings in South Africa as a result of their shock 3-2 series loss, allowing Babar Azam’s squad to retake the top spot.
Pakistan Team Poor Performance in Asia Cup
It’s worth noting that Pakistan’s increase in the world rankings comes with a drop in performance, as evidenced by their inability to reach the Asia Cup final. Pakistan faces further difficulties as fitness of renowned fast bowler Naseem Shah remains a concern. Recent performances by players like Shadab Khan and Fakhar Zaman also raised concerns about their preparation for the 2018 World Cup.
Contrarily, it appears that India is keeping up its momentum at the appropriate time. When several important players were resting, they lost against Bangladesh. Their faultless performance at the Asia Cup has increased their chances of winning the World Cup, and Jasprit Bumrah’s return has only helped.
They rose to fourth in the most recent standings after to their victory over South Africa, while England, despite winning the series against New Zealand 3-1, fell to fifth. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan are now in the seventh, eighth, and ninth spots, respectively, while New Zealand dropped to seventh. West Indies, who did not make it to the World Cup, lost their position in the standings to The Netherlands, who seized it.
Finally, Australia’s shocking loss to South Africa and Pakistan’s amazing performance in the Asia Cup both led to Pakistan’s return to the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings, which is a significant improvement.India and Pakistan are closely matched in the elite level of One Day cricket, where competition is strong. A fascinating World Cup and upcoming One Day matches lies ahead.
