RAWALPINDI: Pakistan climbed to fourth place in the ICC men’s ODI team rankings on Wednesday, overtaking Australia after consecutive victories over Sri Lanka and England in the ongoing ODI tri-series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan now hold 103 rating points, one behind third-placed South Africa on 104. India remain at the top with 115 points, followed by New Zealand on 109. Australia slipped to fifth.
Arafat Minhas powers the Pakistan ICC ODI rankings climb
The rankings jump follows Pakistan’s emphatic 87-run victory over England on Tuesday, powered by a remarkable all-round display from Arafat Minhas. The left-arm spinner scored 59 off 58 balls before returning career-best figures of six for 40 to bowl England out for 215 in pursuit of 303.
Hasan Nawaz top-scored for Pakistan with 79 off 74 balls, while Faheem Ashraf provided a late flourish with 39 off 26 deliveries. Saad Baig contributed 35 as Pakistan recovered from 81 for four to post 302 for nine.
England began confidently through Tom Banton, who made 57, and Ben Duckett, who added 45. But Minhas dismantled the middle order, claiming Will Jacks and Adil Rashid in successive deliveries before running out Gus Atkinson to seal the win. Naseem Shah bowled Joe Root for 33, and Harry Brook fell for five.
The road to the top three
The rise caps a strong run for Pakistan’s ODI side, which also beat Sri Lanka by 37 runs in the tri-series opener on Sunday. With just one rating point separating them from South Africa, Pakistan can break into the top three with continued wins in the tournament.
For a side rebuilding consistency in the 50-over format, moving ahead of Australia — a traditional powerhouse — is a genuine marker of progress. Young players like Minhas delivering on the big stage give the team further reason for optimism as the tri-series heads into its decisive phase.
The rankings update also underlines how tight the table has become. India and New Zealand hold a clear lead at the top, but the gap between third and fifth is now wafer-thin. Every remaining tri-series fixture carries ranking weight, so Pakistan cannot afford a slip if they want to stay ahead of Australia and chase down South Africa.
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Source: Geo News
What are Pakistan’s rating points in the ICC ODI rankings?
Pakistan have 103 rating points after the update, placing them fourth. South Africa are third with 104, New Zealand second with 109, and India top the table with 115.
Which wins lifted Pakistan past Australia?
Back-to-back victories in the ODI tri-series at Rawalpindi: a 37-run win over Sri Lanka in the opener, followed by an 87-run win over England on Tuesday.
What comes next for Pakistan in the tri-series?
Pakistan will look to maintain their winning run as the tournament reaches its decisive stage, with a top-three ranking spot now within touching distance.
