Pakistan’s standing in men’s ODI cricket has taken a hit, dropping them to fifth place in the latest ICC rankings update issued Monday. Sri Lanka have leapfrogged Babar Azam’s side, now sitting on 4,009 points compared to Pakistan’s 3,465.
The shake-up follows Pakistan’s five-wicket loss to West Indies in a rain-affected second ODI in Tarouba, which squared the three-match series at 1-1. The defeat not only dented Pakistan’s momentum but also cost them valuable ranking points.
India continue to lead the global table with 4,471 points, while New Zealand (4,160) and Australia (3,473) hold second and third spots respectively. South Africa remain close behind Pakistan in sixth place, Afghanistan are seventh, and West Indies—buoyed by their latest victory—have climbed to ninth, relegating Bangladesh to tenth.
With the ODI calendar tightening before next year’s Champions Trophy, Pakistan’s immediate challenge will be avoiding further slip-ups that could jeopardise their seeding for major tournaments.
