Ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup, Pakistan’s cricket team might reach the top of the ODI rankings. In the latest rankings released by the Apex Cricket Council, Pakistan levelled ranking points with current leader Australia with 118 rating points. However, in decimals, Pakistan is currently running behind, and they will need one more victory to reach the top.
After winning a nail-biting thriller against Afghanistan in the 2nd ODI, Pakistan levelled rating points with Australia. Now, the Babar Azam-led team will take on Afghanistan in the third and final ODI on August 26. A win there will propel them to the top of the rankings. Pakistan will be participating in the Asia Cup 2023, and the team will have chances to strengthen its position at the top.
Meanwhile, Australia and India are two other teams that are aiming for the top position. Australia will be playing eight matches before the World Cup, including a five-match ODI series against South Africa and a three-match ODI series against India. On the other hand, India will be participating in the Asia Cup and a three-match series against Australia, which will give them enough opportunities to clinch that top position.
Can India clinch the top position before the ODI World Cup?
As the Asia Cup 2023 kicks off on August 30, the rivalry between Pakistan and India adds an extra layer of intensity to the tournament. The pursuit of the top spot now evolves into a thrilling three-way competition, setting the stage for an exciting showdown just ahead of the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s impressive performance in 2023 is highlighted by seven victories in ten ODI matches, accumulating a total of 2590 points from 22 matches in the ODI Rankings. In contrast, India has secured 4080 points from 36 matches, translating to a rating of 113. Both teams will look to continue their dominance and reclaim the top position.
Here is how fans reacted to Pakistan’s amazing performance:
Iske abbu aa rhe h pic.twitter.com/9wLAGwc3CF
— Naks..! (@oyenakss) August 26, 2023
Source?
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) August 26, 2023
Bhai iske liye bhi Source lagana padega kya?
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) August 26, 2023
Congratulations from Abbuu pic.twitter.com/wXVcMjbiSH
— Pulkit?? (@pulkit5Dx) August 26, 2023
Congratulations to South Asia ?
— Tas ?? (@TasneemKhatai1) August 26, 2023
Use this as dislike button
— KRISHNA? (@KrishnaVK_18) August 26, 2023
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) August 26, 2023
Abbu will take care of son in asia cup and WC. ?? pic.twitter.com/iGYGmRscxW
— Dennis? (@DenissForReal) August 26, 2023
Fluke ODI ranking
— Kohlified. (@123perthclassic) August 26, 2023
Fluke
— Wa?iyullah Budye (@WasiyullahB) August 26, 2023
No 1 ODI Team After Defeating Mighty Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Srilanka, Afghanistan Etc Etc.
— Aufridi Chumtya (@ShuhidAufridi) August 26, 2023
Congratulations to them as the new No.1 Ranked ODI team. Their performance in the series against Afghanistan has earned them this position. Congrats to the team and their fans!
— Jalebi Baby (@jaleebibaby) August 26, 2023
Only for a week though .
— Slog Sweep-189 (@SloggSweep) August 26, 2023
By winning against teams like Zimbabwe
— v. Jatin (@JatinTweets_) August 26, 2023
Lappu si teamo se khel kar no 1 bani hai
— Shankar Raika (@ShankarRaika51) August 26, 2023