- Saturday, March 01, 2025
By: Shubham Ghosh
Pakistan’s joy of becoming the world’s No.1 team in one-day internationals (ODIs) dethroning Australia in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) ranking was shortlived as the five-time champions returned to the top spot on Sunday (7), just two days after Pakistan clinched it by beating New Zealand by 102 runs in the fourth match of their just concluded series at home.
Australia, who now have a rating of 113, were back at No.1 after New Zealand beat Pakistan by 47 runs in the fifth and final match of the series in Karachi to avoid a whitewash. Pakistan are now at No.3 with a rating of 112, one less than Australia and arch-rivals India. India also have 112 rating but are placed second since Australia, who beat them at home in March, have played less number of matches (35 to India’s 47).
Pakistan have played even fewer games — 30 — but they have relatively weaker opposition teams in recent times. The New Zealand team they beat did not have some of the frontline players who are busy playing the Indian Premier League. Pakistan also played the Netherlands last year in a ODI series.
The other seven teams in the top 10 list are: England, New Zealand, South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Afghanistan, respectively.
Nepal, who recently qualified for this year’s Asia Cup, are placed 14th, behind Ireland, Scotland, and Zimbabwe.
