Pakistan Reaches New Heights, Becomes No. 1 ODI Team

The men in green were playing against the Blackcaps in the 4th ODI game of the bilateral series. Pakistan had already won the series in the last match but a victory by 102 runs in the 4th match helped Pakistan create history. For the first time since the inception of the game, Pakistan became the number 1 ODI team. They surpassed Australia to reach the number 1 spot. With the ODI World Cup coming this year, the performance will add confidence to the team.

Before the start of the series, Pakistan was the number 5 ODI team. Their hard work and determination gave them the results putting them up right at the top. However, in order for Pakistan to retain their top spot, they will have to win the final match of the ODI series as well. In case of a loss, the men in green will drop back to the number 3 position. Babar Azam was at his utmost best in the fourth ODI and, after struggling to do so in the first three ODIs, finally turned his start into a century. The host team accumulated 334 runs in 50 overs thanks to the right-hander’s 18th ODI century.

Pakistan surpasses Australia to become number 1 ODI team

Pakistan bowlers were on point about their execution with Usman Mir picking up 4 wickets, followed by 3 by Wasim Jr., 2 by Haris Rauf, and 1 by Shaheen Afridi. The New Zealand side was bundled up for 232 runs. After the win, Pakistan captain Babar Azam said, “Team’s efforts and the work from the support staff has helped us to be number 1, Credit to the boys for putting in the effort in tough times. The journey has been good. And has been a memorable one. Has been filled with support, sacrifices, and struggle so far. The wicket played well today. We planned to build partnerships. Me and Agha built a partnership and decided to take it deep. We thought 310 was possible. Shaheen got us beyond expectations. As a team, we had decided we would test our bench strength.”

Speaking about the Pakistan versus New Zealand series, the long tour is finally coming to an end with 1 match to go. After drawing the test series 0-0, then losing the ODI series 2-1 in January’s leg and another 2-2 tie in the T20 series, finally a victory in the ODI series will be good for the team. The last match is scheduled to be played in Karachi on May 6th.