The Pakistan cricket group on Friday reached a brand new excessive because it turned the No. 1 ODI aspect in International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings. Babar Azam scored an outstanding century Friday to assist carry Pakistan to the highest of the ODI rankings after a thumping 102-run victory within the fourth match in opposition to New Zealand in Karachi. Azam stroked a 117-ball 107 and in addition turned the quickest batter to succeed in 5,000 ODI runs, as his group made 334-6 of their 50 overs.

His 18th ODI hundred took him previous the mark in his 97th innings within the format, beating former South Africa batter Hashim Amla‘s earlier report of 101 innings. New Zealand have been bowled out for 232 in 43.4 overs with skipper Tom Latham (60), Mark Chapman (46) and Daryl Mitchell (34) providing some resistance.

Congratulations, Pakistan

They go to the highest of the @MRFWorldwide ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings pic.twitter.com/GUq2CjOEoK

— ICC (@ICC) May 5, 2023

Leg-spinner Usama Mir led Pakistan’s bowling cost with a career-best 4-43 whereas pacers Mohammad Wasim (3-40) and Haris Rauf (2-37) additionally impressed The win gave Pakistan a 4-0 lead within the five-match collection and took them to primary for the primary time for the reason that International Cricket Council formally recognised the rankings in 2005. Pakistan’s earlier highest ODI rating was third which they attained in January 2018 and once more in June 2022.

After the most recent rankings have been printed, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif had a delicate 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 demonstrated this again. Well done lads. @ICC @TheRealPCBMedia #BabarAzam,” he write on Twitter.

Over the previous few months, there was quite a lot of hypothesis relating to the ultimate venue of the Asia Cup, which is slated to be held in Pakistan. After ACC head and BCCI secretary Jay Shah mentioned that India will not be travelling to Pakistan for the continental occasion, there was many theories relating to how the event will happen. From hybrid mannequin the place India’s matches could be performed at a impartial venue to the event getting postponed, the report have been various. Some experiences even steered that Pakistan may rethink its determination to journey to India for the 2023 World Cup, if the Asia Cup just isn’t held of their nation, nonetheless there was no official affirmation relating to the identical. In the center of this. Latif’s message has come.

Perfect timing to realize No1. ODI rankings. This, supported by excessive rankings of Babar, Fakhar, Imam, Shaheen and Shadab, will make the ACC, ICC and their sponsors assume onerous earlier than making any selections. Pakistan is a drive and so they have demonstrated this once more.
Well achieved lads…. pic.twitter.com/sgjSnkUT58

— Rashid Latif | (@iRashidLatif68) May 5, 2023

Talking concerning the recreation, Azam starred together with his thirtieth ton in all worldwide cricket after New Zealand received the toss and put the hosts in to bat at National Stadium. The 28-year-old beat Amla’s report when he reached 19.

He added 50 for the second wicket with Shan Masood (44), 127 for the fourth wicket with Agha Salman (58) and one other 41 for the sixth with Iftikhar Ahmed who scored 28.

Azam, who has been the primary ODI batter for the final two years, hit 10 boundaries earlier than he was caught at deep mid-wicket off debutant Ben Lister within the forty eighth over Azam is the 14th Pakistani to attain 5,000 or extra runs in ODI cricket, with former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq prime of the record with 11,701.

He can also be the quickest to 18 ODI lots of, beating Amla’s report of 102 innings.

With AFP inputs