Babar Azam reveals key factor behind Pakistan’s ascent to top spot in ODI rankings

Pakistan captain Babar Azam opened up after the Men in Green reclaimed top spot in the ICC ODI rankings on Saturday with a clean sweep over Afghanistan.

Pakistan won the series 3-0 to climb to the top of the rankings, with team’s unity, according to Azam, playing a major role in the Men in Green’s historic achievement.

Pakistan had also secured top spot earlier this year, for the first time since the International Cricket Council officially recognised the rankings in 2005, after series win over New Zealand.

“We have become the number one team in the world due to our hard work. There were ups and down but we stayed united and that has helped us claim the top spot,” Azam said while addressing the team in the dressing room after the conclusion of the third ODI on Saturday.

“The good thing is that every player in this team is happy when their teammate performs well rather than focusing on their personal milestones,” he added.

However, Azam reiterated that the squad should keep one eye on the Asia Cup, which starts on August 30, while celebrating this achievement.

“We will celebrate this victory but we must not forget that the Asia Cup starts in four days. We will try to take this momentum in the Asia Cup,” he said.

Chasing a target of 269 runs in the third ODI, Afghanistan were dismissed for 209 runs in 48.4 overs which helped Pakistan register victory by 59 runs.

Leg-spinner Shadab Khan was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers with figures of 3-42 in 10 overs.

Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf and Shaheen Afridi claimed two wickets each.

It was a sorry batting display by Afghanistan as the highest scorer in their innings was tailender Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who scored a career-best 64 runs in 37 balls. His explosive knock, which was only able to delay the inevitable, included five fours and as many maximums.

Shahidullah scored 37 runs, meanwhile Riaz Hassan scored 34 runs.

Earlier, Pakistan had set a target of 269 runs after winning the toss and deciding to bat first in the third and final ODI of the series against Afghanistan in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Pakistan finished at 268-8 in 50 overs after Mohammad Rizwan (67) and Babar Azam (60) scored fifties.

Azam and Rizwan added 110 runs in 145 balls for the third wicket.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Nawaz (30 off 25) and Agha Salman (38 not out in 31) provided impetus at the backend of the innings with 61 runs in 47 balls for the seventh wicket.

Gulbadin Naib and Fareed Ahmad claimed two wickets each for Afghanistan. 

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