<p>Pakistan topped the ODI rankings on Sunday, passing Australia, ahead of the key ICC ODI World Cup, which will be held in India in 2023, and the Asia Cup 2023.<img decoding=”async” class=”alignnone wp-image-148991″ src=”https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/theindiaprint.com-the-indian-womens-blind-cricket-team-receives-congratulations-from-pm-modi-and-president-murmu-for-winning-the-gold-medal-download-2023-08-27t180414.874-11zon.jpg” alt=”theindiaprint.com the indian womens blind cricket team receives congratulations from pm modi and president murmu for winning the gold medal download 2023 08 27t180414.874 11zon” width=”1008″ height=”755″ srcset=”https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/theindiaprint.com-the-indian-womens-blind-cricket-team-receives-congratulations-from-pm-modi-and-president-murmu-for-winning-the-gold-medal-download-2023-08-27t180414.874-11zon.jpg 259w, https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/theindiaprint.com-the-indian-womens-blind-cricket-team-receives-congratulations-from-pm-modi-and-president-murmu-for-winning-the-gold-medal-download-2023-08-27t180414.874-11zon-150×112.jpg 150w” sizes=”(max-width: 1008px) 100vw, 1008px” title=”The Indian women's blind cricket team receives congratulations from PM Modi and President Murmu for winning the gold medal 6″></p>
<p>Pakistan clinched the top place in the ODI rankings on Saturday after sweeping Afghanistan in the series by a score of 3-0.</p>
<p>Prior to the Afghanistan series, Pakistan came in second with 115.8 rating points, behind Australia in the standings. With 118.48 rating points, the Babar Azam-led squad overtook Australia at the top after winning the series against Afghanistan.</p>
<p>With the same number of points in the rankings, the Baggy Greens fell to second place.</p>
<p>The PCB Management Committee Chairman, Zaka Ashraf, expressed his happiness that Pakistan had topped the ODI standings.</p>
<p>This accomplishment is a result of the skill, perseverance, and teamwork shown by our athletes as well as their persistent commitment to greatness. As the Pakistan cricket team reclaims the top place in the ODI rankings, it is a proud occasion for all of us, Ashraf added.</p>
<p>“I also want to congratulate and applaud the efforts of the entire squad, coaching staff, and support personnel for their collective commitment to raising the flag of Pakistan high in the world of cricket,” Ashraf said.</p>
<p>The third match took on importance for the Babar Azam-led squad since they were only a few points behind Australia in the ODI rankings, despite Pakistan having an unassailable lead in the series against Afghanistan after winning the first two matches in different fashions.</p>
<p>They defeated their opponent by 142 runs in the first ODI because to some outstanding bowling.</p>
<p>The second game ended up being a close one, with the Men in Green managing to win in the final over with the last pair remaining.</p>
<p>Afghanistan lost the third ODI with a score of 59 runs. Pakistan posted a difficult 268 on a sluggish pitch despite struggling with the bat in the middle overs.</p>
<p>With their half-centuries, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam helped Pakistan reach a competitive total.</p>
<p>Faheem Ashraf, an all-rounder, took two wickets in the Afghanistan response, which was rocked early on.</p>
<p>The spinner continued to strike at regular intervals after that to lessen Afghanistan’s chances.</p>
<p>Mujeeb ur Rahman, a bowling all-rounder, though, forced Afghanistan back into the match with a spirited, 26-ball half-century.</p>
<p>Pakistan ultimately triumphed, winning by 59 runs.</p>
<p>Leg-spinner Shadab Khan concluded the series with three wickets to his record, aiding Pakistan in sweeping the series.</p>
<p>Pakistan has dominated the ODI format in recent months, thrashing the West Indies and Netherlands 3-0 at home and away, respectively. In January 2023, they defeated New Zealand at home in a 2-1 series.</p>
<p>The next month, in April, the Blackcaps played five One Day Internationals. The series was ultimately won by Pakistan 4-1.</p>
<p>The Asian powerhouse climbed to the top of the standings thanks to their 3-0 series victory against Afghanistan.</p>
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