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

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. 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.

Congratulations, PakistanThey go to the top of the @MRFWorldwide ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings pic.twitter.com/GUq2CjOEoK

Leg-spinner Usama Mir led Pakistan's bowling charge with a career-best 4-43 while pacers Mohammad Wasim (3-40) and Haris Rauf (2-37) also impressed The win gave Pakistan a 4-0 lead in the five-match series and took them to number one for the first time since the International Cricket Council officially recognised the rankings in 2005. Pakistan's previous highest ODI ranking was third which they attained in January 2018 and again in June 2022.

After the latest rankings were published, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif had a subtle message for the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Asia Cricket Council (ACC). "Perfect timing to achieve No1. ODI rankings. This, supported by high rankings of Babar, Fakhar, Imam, Shaheen and Shadab, will make the ACC, ICC and their sponsors think hard before making any decisions. Pakistan is a force and they have