KARACHI - Sarfraz Ahmed's men-in-green have climbed up to the top slot in the ICC T20I team rankings, thanks, surprisingly to New Zealand's 53-run defeat at the hands of Pakistan's biggest rival, India.
Pakistani supporters, however, would be pinning their hopes on India, who would need to win the three-match by at least a 2-1 margin to confirm Pakistan's top position in the ranking. International Cricket Council also congratulated Pakistan for achieving top T20 rank for first time through a tweet.
“India's win today means Pakistan top the @MRFWorldwide ICC T20I Team Rankings for the first time ever! Congratulations!,” tweeted the cricket’s global governing body. The 53-run defeat in New Delhi on Wednesday brought New Zealand down to 121—three points behind Pakistan, who lead the rankings now with a rating of 124. Since the appointment of Sarfaraz Ahmed as captain of the Pakistan side in the shortest format, the green-shirts have won 12 out of 14 T20Is, which contributed the most in Pakistan’s rise towards the top of ranking.
Pakistan were only a few decimal points behind New Zealand following its white-wash against Sri Lanka.
India’s win against New Zealand saw Kiwis losing three rating points which confirmed Pakistan as number one team.
