LAHORE - Pakistan jumped three places to third in the ICC Test Championship table following a record 7-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the third and final Test in Pallekele on Tuesday, pushing by one place to fifth.
According to ICC press release, Pakistan had entered the series in sixth position on 97 points, one ahead of Sri Lanka. The 2-1 series win has earned it four ratings points and because the middle of the table is so tightly-packed, a leap of three places. Pakistan today completed a record run chase of 382-3 against Sri Lanka. Younus Khan was the star with an unbeaten 171.
Pakistan now trail second-ranked Australia by 10 points and lead fourth-ranked New Zealand by two points. Sri Lanka, in contrast, have dropped four points and has slipped to 92 points, while retaining its seventh position overall. The Ashes begins on Wednesday and England will not only be aiming to reclaim the Urn but also improve its ranking. England is currently sitting in sixth position and a series win by 3-0 or better will move it to as high as second.
ICC TEST CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE
RANK TEAM PTS
1 South Africa 130
2 Australia 111
3 Pakistan 101
4 New Zealand 99
5 India 97
6 England 97
7 Sri Lanka 92
8 West Indies 81
9 Bangladesh 41
10 Zimbabwe 5
