Pakistan became number-1 in the ICC ODI rankings. Pakistan achieved this feat by defeating New Zealand in the fourth ODI played in Karachi.
Batting first, Pakistan scored 334 runs for 6 wickets in 50 overs. In response, the New Zealand team was all out for 232 runs in 43.4 overs. In this way, Pakistan won the match by 102 runs and took an unassailable 4-0 lead in the ongoing five ODI match series.
With this victory, the Pakistan team captained by Babar Azam became number-1 in ODIs leaving behind Australia. India has slipped to the third position. Pakistan, Australia and India have equal 113 points. Before the fourth ODI, Pakistan was third with 112 points, followed by Australia (113.286) and India (112.638).
To become number-1, Pakistan had to win the fourth ODI against New Zealand, and it did so. With this victory, Pakistan has scored 113.483 points and has overtaken Australia based on decimal points.
Captain Babar Azam was the hero of Pakistan’s victory. He played an inning of 107 runs in the match. Babar also became the fastest batsman to score 5000 ODI runs during this century innings. He did this feat in 97 innings. Babar broke the record of Hashim Amla. Virat Kohli has scored 5000 runs in 114 innings.
Before the start of the ODI series against New Zealand, Pakistan was ranked 5th in the ODI rankings. He had 106 rating points. But, after winning the first three matches, he came straight to third place. At the same time, the New Zealand team had slipped from the second to the fifth position. New Zealand now has 107 points
