Rankings with a dominant performance against New Zealand in the ongoing five-match series. After securing an unassailable 3-0 lead, Pakistan is within touching distance of claiming the top spot in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings.
Pakistan has been the dominant team in the series so far, chasing down challenging totals in the first two ODIs and then defending a similar target in the third game. Their top-order batsmen, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, and Babar Azam, have been consistent in delivering impressive performances.
Before the series, Pakistan ranked fifth in the ODI team rankings with a rating of 106, but their remarkable performances in the series have now put them at the third spot with a rating of 112. Pakistan is only marginally behind Australia and India, ranked second and first, respectively. If Pakistan wins the fourth ODI, they will take over the top spot with a rating of 113.483, with Australia and India slipping to second and third, respectively.
However, Pakistan will need to ensure a clean sweep to remain on top, winning the fifth and final ODI against New Zealand. A loss in the final ODI will see them slipping back to No.3, with Australia reclaiming their No.1 ranking. If the fifth match yields a no-result, Pakistan will remain on top after winning the fourth ODI.
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New Zealand, who were second in the rankings before the series, has slipped down to fifth, and their chances of reaching the top spot are now out of the race. The highest position the Black Caps can now reach is No.3 if they win the last two ODIs.
Pakistan and New Zealand will face each other in the fourth ODI on May 6th, and the fifth and final ODI on May 9th.
