ICC ODI Rankings : Pakistan Lose No. 1 Spot In ODI Rankings After NZ Clinches the final match of the Series

On Sunday, Pakistan’s attempt to defeat New Zealand without a loss came to an end. In the fifth and final ODI in Karachi, the Kiwis defeated the hosts by a margin of 47 runs thanks to an all-around strong showing. Pakistan won the series 4-1, and New Zealand’s dominance in the series finale led to a significant reorganisation of the top-ranked ODI teams.

Pakistan dropped from first place on the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings as a result of the defeat. The ICC placed Pakistan at the top of the ODI Team Rankings just 48 hours prior. However, their rule was short lived with the loss to New Zealand.

More changes in the @MRFWorldwide ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings as New Zealand win the fifth #PAKvNZ ODI.

Details ⬇️https://t.co/kQ1OBHjCyg

— ICC (@ICC) May 8, 2023

Chasing a goal of 300, Pakistan suffered an early setback as Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan were dismissed for cheap runs. Fakhar Zaman, who has been in outstanding form throughout the series, was also unable to contribute significantly after being bowled out by Ravindra on 33.

The 97-run partnership between Iftikhar Ahmed and Agha Salman gave Pakistan genuine hope, but those hopes were shattered when Salman was removed by Henry Shipley on 57.

Iftikhar gave it his all with a score of (94*), but it wasn’t enough as Pakistan lost by 47 runs and fell from first position in the team ODI rankings.

Tom Latham, the captain, won the toss and decided to bat first in Karachi. This choice turned out to be the right one. Will Young scored an impressive 87 from 91 balls, just missing out on his third ODI century. Latham, who scored his third half-century of the series with a 58-ball 59, assisted him.