Pakistan could get a further boost with just weeks to go before the start of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, as the in-form Babar Azam’s side are just one win away from securing the No. 1 ODI team ranking.

Pakistan on Thursday pulled off a thrilling one-wicket win over Afghanistan in Hambantota and in the process took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

This has only marginally improved Pakistan’s ODI team ratings from number one ranked Australia and the Asian side can claim the dominant position as the No. 1 ODI team with a win over Afghanistan in the third and final match of their series on Saturday. Is. ,

It will prove to be a big boost for Pakistan on the eve of this year’s 50-over showdown, with Babar’s side favorites to win a second World Cup title in India this year.

Pakistan’s only success in the World Cup came in Australia in 1992 and the Asian nation could enter this year’s edition with the No. 1 ODI team ranking if they can continue their recent form.

In 10 ODIs this year, Pakistan have lost only three matches – all against New Zealand – and their performances with both bat and ball during the ongoing Afghanistan series is putting them on the brink of claiming the top ranking from Australia.

After the completion of the series against Afghanistan, Pakistan will take part in the 2023 Asia Cup and their first match in that six-team tournament will be against Nepal on 30 August in Multan.

They will then take on New Zealand and Australia in official warm-up matches for the World Cup, with their first match in this year’s tournament against the Netherlands in Hyderabad on 6 October.