Babar Azam-led Pakistan scripted history as they became World no.1 in ODI rankings for the first time ever after thrashing New Zealand by 102 runs in the fourth ODI in Karachi on Friday (May 5). With this win, Pakistan bettered their previous best of no.3 ODI ranking which they claimed back in 2007. Riding on Babar's brilliant century and Usama Mir's exceptional four-fer Pakistan extended their unassailable 4-0 lead in the five-match ODI series.
Before the series agianst New Zealand kicked off, Pakistan were placed no.5 in the ODI rankings with a rating of 106. However, the stunning back-to-back victories against New Zealand earned them 113.483 points as they dethroned Australia from top spot, who are now second with 113.286 rating points.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's arch-rivals India are no.3 in the standings with 112.638 rating points. However, to remain on top, Pakistan will have to ensure a clean sweep, winning the fifth and final ODI on Sunday, 7 May.
Talking about the match, Babar shone with his 18th ODI century (107 off 117) as Pakistan annihilated New Zealand by 102 runs to go 4-0 up in the five-match series. Chasing a target of 335, the Kiwis were bundled out for 232, with captain Tom Latham top-scoring with a 76-ball 60, thanks to Usama Mir's incredible spell of 4/43.
Earlier Babar scored a brilliant century while Shaheen Afridi played a late cameo to take Pakistan to a massive total of 334/6. Sent in to bat after losing the toss, Babar added 50 for the second wicket with Shan Masood (44), 127 for the fourth wicket with Agha Salman (58) and another 41 for the sixth with Iftikhar Ahmed who scored 28. Shaheen hit three sixes and a boundary in his seven-ball 23 not out as Pakistan plundered 94 runs in the last 10 overs.
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