After Pakistan Become No. 1 ODI Side For 1st Time, Ex-Captain's 'Think Hard' Message For ICC

06.05.2023 - 03:23 sports.ndtv.com

The Pakistan cricket team on Friday reached a new high as it became the No. 1 ODI side in International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings.

Babar Azam scored a superb century Friday to help lift Pakistan to the top of the ODI rankings after a thumping 102-run victory in the fourth match against New Zealand in Karachi.

Azam stroked a 117-ball 107 and also became the fastest batter to reach 5,000 ODI runs, as his team made 334-6 in their 50 overs.

His 18th ODI hundred took him past the mark in his 97th innings in the format, beating former South Africa batter Hashim Amla's previous record of 101 innings.

cricket India Cricket Team 1 Message Shaheen Afridi Daryl Mitchell Tom Latham Mark Chapman South Africa New Zealand India Pakistan

Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman was named the ICC Men's Player of the month for April while Thailand skipper Naruemol Chaiwai was adjudged best in the women's section after both produced match-winning performances for their countries in the ODIs. Both batters were identified as April's outstanding performers following a vote conducted among a specialist panel comprising ICC Hall of Famers, former international players, and media representatives, who, in combination with global cricket fans registered at icc-cricket.com, had been voting since the nominees were announced last week.

Pakistan Lose No. 1 Position In ODI Rankings, Reign At Top Lasts Just 48 Hours

Pakistan's pursuit of completing a clean sweep against New Zealand came to an end on Sunday. An all-round performance from the Kiwis saw them clinch a 47-run win over the hosts in the fifth and final ODI in Karachi. New Zealand proved too strong in the series finale, as Pakistan clinched the series 4-1 in a result that caused a major shake-up at the top of the ODI team rankings. The loss led Pakistan to relinquish the top spot on the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings. Only 48 hours ago, the ICC had put Pakistan on top of the ODI Team Rankings. However, their reign was cut short following the defeat against New Zealand.

New Zealand Avoid Pakistan Whitewash Despite Iftikhar Run Blitz

Henry Shipley and Rachin Ravindra shared six wickets as New Zealand beat Pakistan by 47 runs in the fifth and final one-day international in Karachi on Sunday. The victory meant New Zealand avoided being swept in the five game series, which Pakistan won 4-1. New Zealand batted first and were bowled out for 299 in 49.3 overs with half centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham. Fast bowler Shipley then took 3-34 and spinner Ravindra a career best 3-65 as New Zealand survived a brilliant 72-ball 94 not out by Iftikhar Ahmed to dismiss Pakistan for 252 in 46.1 overs.

Pakistan vs New Zealand, 5th ODI, Live Score Updates: New Zealand Eye Solid Start After Opting To Bat vs Pakistan

PAK vs NZ, 5th ODI Live Updates: New Zealand skipper Tom Latham has won the toss and opted to bat first against Pakistan in the fifth and final ODI between the sides at the National Stadium, Karachi on Sunday. Pakistan eye a series sweep over New Zealand, while the guests look for a consolatory win. The Babar Azam-led side won the first game by 5 wickets and then bagged the second game by by 7 wickets. In the third ODI, Pakistan registered a 26-run victory over the Blackcaps while in the fourth game, the hosts registered a 102-run victory. (LIVE SCORECARD)

Henry hopes NZ can avoid whitewash v World No. 1 Pakistan

KARACHI, Pakistan : Bowler Matt Henry is hopeful New Zealand can avoid a series whitewash in Pakistan by producing an improved display in Sunday's fifth and final one-day international against the world number one side.

Babar Azam's Ton Powers Pakistan To Top Of ODI Rankings

Babar Azam scored a superb century Friday to help lift Pakistan to the top of the one-day international rankings after a thumping 102-run victory in the fourth match against New Zealand in Karachi. Azam smashed a 117-ball 107 and also became the fastest batter to reach 5,000 ODI runs, as his team made 334-6 in their 50 overs. His 18th ODI hundred took him past the mark in his 97th innings in the format, beating former South Africa batter Hashim Amla's previous record of 101 innings. New Zealand were bowled out for 232 in 43.4 overs with skipper Tom Latham (60), Mark Chapman (46) and Daryl Mitchell (34) offering some resistance.