Webdesk: Pakistan lost the top spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Rankings 48 hours after claiming it for the first time.
After losing the final ODI against New Zealand in Karachi on Sunday, May 7, the green shirts were dethroned.
In the 4th ODI, Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 102 runs to become No. 1. They topped ODI cricket after this win, surpassing India and Australia.
New Zealand’s consolation win ended their dreams of a series whitewash and knocked them off the throne.
Australia leads the rankings with 113 points, followed by India. Pakistan is third with 112 points.
Pakistan captain Babar said that they fell short of their goal despite winning the 5-match series 4-1.
“It was a wonderful series but didn’t end the way we wanted. “We didn’t bat well at the top and Agha and Iftikhar got a good partnership but we left too many runs for them,” he continued.
New Zealand won the toss and batted first, setting a difficult 299 runs in 49.3 overs in a gripping match on Sunday.
Will Young scored 91 runs in 87 balls as an opener. Despite Tom Blundell (15) and Henry Nicholls’ early departures, the batting unit contributed to the team’s total. Captain Tom Latham top-scored with 59 off 58 deliveries.
Mark Chapman hit two sixes and five boundaries in the middle overs, as usual. Rachin Ravindra scored 28 runs in 20 balls to bring the total close to 300.
Three-wicket Pakistan bowler Shaheen Afridi was the best. Usama Mir and Shadab Khan added two wickets each.
