Pakistan Cricket Team: Following a convincing victory against New Zealand in the fourth ODI in Karachi on Friday, Pakistan have surpassed New Zealand to take the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings for the first time since the official team ranking system was introduced in 2005. Babar Azam, the captain, scored 107 runs off 117 balls, aiding the Men In Green post a decent total of 334 runs while also making him the fastest player to 5000 runs and 18 centuries. For Pakistan to maintain this position, they must whitewash the second-string Black Caps. Follow PAK vs NZ LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
Introducing the new No.1 ranked side on the ICC ODI Team Rankings! pic.twitter.com/uOVRFBsf0Z
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 5, 2023
Prior to the commencement of the series, Pakistan was ranked fifth in the ODI rankings with 106 rating points. They were in fine form as they chased down big totals in the first two ODIs. They went on to win the third ODI in Karachi by 26 runs, moving them ahead of England and New Zealand and into third place overall in the points table behind Australia and India. Babar Azam’s 18th ODI century and other contributions helped Pakistan in a massive 102 run win in the fourth ODI and take the top spot in the ODI rankings.
1️⃣8️⃣th ODI CENTURY 🙌@babarazam258 reigns supreme again 👑#PAKvNZ | #CricketMubarak pic.twitter.com/qdCsPjixOs
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 5, 2023
In response, New Zealand’s skipper Tom Latham (60), Mark Chapman (46) and Daryl Mitchell (34) were all out as they were bowled out for 232 in 43.4 overs. Leg-spinner Usma Mir who had a career-high 4-43, was Pakistan’s top bowler, and pacers Mohammad Wasim (3-40) and Haris Rauf (2-37) also did well.
Fastest to 5000 runs in ODI
| Player | Innings |
| Babar Azam | 96 |
| Hashim Amla | 101 |
| Viv Richards | 114 |
| Virat Kohli | 114 |
| David Warner | 115 |
With 113.483 rating points, Pakistan now leads the of ODI teams’ chart, followed by Australia (113.286) and India (112.638). If they lose the last ODI, they would drop to No. 3 and Australia will retake the top spot. Regardless of the outcome of the last game, New Zealand will stay in fifth place. If the fifth game is cancelled or ends in a tie, Pakistan will still be in the lead.
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