Pakistan rises to top spot in ICC T20I rankings

Pakistan Cricket Team moved to the top of International Cricket Council (ICC) Twenty20 International (T20I) rankings, thanks to Sarfraz 11’s consistent victories.

Pakistan reached the top rank with their tally of 124 points in such a scenario with New Zealand slipping to the second position with 121 points.

India did Pakistan a huge favour by registering a 53-run victory over New Zealand in the first Twenty20 International between the two teams on Wednesday bringing the Kiwis down in the ICC T20I rankings.

New Zealand was the top-ranked side in the shortest format with 125 points but Pakistan closed in to within one point after securing a 3-0 win in their series against Sri Lanka that culminated in Lahore on Sunday.

Interestingly, India is placed fifth with 118 points and the win over New Zealand didn’t benefit them in rankings.

Another box checked! ICC T20I Number one ranked team. Congratulations Pakistan 👏 https://t.co/RAIdrdSNV9

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) November 1, 2017

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 36 runs in the third and final Twenty20 international in Lahore on Sunday, October 29, taking the three-match series 3-0. Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik, Hassan Ali and Shadab Khan remained top performers throughout the ODI and T20I series helping the national team dominate during the series which also marked Sri Lanka’s return to Lahore.