Pakistan rises to fourth in ICC ODI rankings

DUBAI: Pakistan have climbed to fourth place in the International Cricket Council’s One-Day International (ODI) team rankings after a hard-fought win against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi.

The home side edged out Sri Lanka by six runs in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, on Tuesday. The victory lifted Pakistan above South Africa in the updated ICC rankings. Salman Ali Agha’s unbeaten 105 off 87 balls was the highlight of the match, helping Pakistan post a competitive total. His performance also earned him a jump of 14 places to 16th in the latest ICC batting rankings.

Among bowlers, leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed rose 17 spots despite not featuring in the game, reflecting his consistent recent form. Fast bowler Haris Rauf, who claimed four wickets in the opening match, climbed three places to 28th in the bowling rankings. Pakistan, currently placed fourth in ODIs, remain seventh in both Test and T20 formats. The second ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played later this week in Rawalpindi. Web Desk