Afghanistan Rise to Historic Sixth Place in ICC ODI Rankings

Afghanistan have rewritten the record books once again. By overtaking Sri Lanka in the latest ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, they have climbed to sixth place, their highest position ever in the format. It is a landmark moment for a side that has risen rapidly since its 2009 debut.

Afghanistan Overtake Sri Lanka for a Historic Sixth Place

According to the latest update on the ICC website, Afghanistan have moved into the top six of the ODI rankings for the first time. They now sit on 94 rating points, edging ahead of Sri Lanka, who are also on 94 points.

On the way up, Afghanistan have left behind several established cricketing nations, including England, Bangladesh and the West Indies. Sri Lanka previously held sixth place with a narrow points advantage over Afghanistan.

The rise caps a steady climb. Afghanistan beat Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and reached the semi-final of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Current ODI Team Rankings Snapshot

England slipped from seventh to eighth after a run of disappointing results. Pakistan and Australia also swapped fourth and fifth places in recent updates, with Pakistan’s home tri-series victory lifting them level with South Africa on points.

The 4-0 Ireland Series Win That Drove the Climb

Afghanistan’s ranking jump was built on a dominant 4-0 series win over Ireland. They won the second ODI in Bready by 92 runs and then took a three-wicket victory in the third ODI in Belfast.

In the fourth ODI, they posted 343/9 and then restricted Ireland to win by 42 runs. A successful chase in the fifth ODI completed the clean sweep.

Batting Stars Light Up the Series

Sediqullah Atal was the leading run-scorer with 313 runs. He smashed 143 off 120 balls in the fourth ODI, including 17 fours and four sixes, and followed it with 98 off 112 balls in the finale.

Ibrahim Zadran also scored a century in the fourth ODI, making 107 off 118 deliveries. Rahmat Shah then delivered the decisive blow in the fifth ODI with an unbeaten 143 off 133 balls.

Rashid Khan was named Player of the Series despite playing only three matches.

Afghanistan’s ODI Record and Individual Success

Afghanistan have now won 96 of their 191 ODI matches, a win-loss ratio of 1.09. That is a strong return for a team that only arrived in the format in 2009.

The individual rankings reflect the same rise. Rashid Khan occupies the top spot among ODI bowlers, while Azmatullah Omarzai leads the all-rounders’ rankings.

Stat Block: Afghanistan in ODIs

Zimbabwe T20I Whitewash and the Test Challenge Ahead

The momentum has carried into T20Is. Afghanistan completed a 3-0 series whitewash of Zimbabwe, sealing it with a seven-wicket win in the third match in Sharjah on Sunday.

Spinner Noor Ahmad was the standout in the finale, dismantling Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order. The visitors were bowled out for just 79 in less than 15 overs, and Afghanistan chased the modest target comfortably.

What Comes Next

Attention now turns to Test cricket. Afghanistan are scheduled to face Zimbabwe in a two-match Test series, and they will aim to carry their white-ball form into the longest format.

With a historic ranking in hand and a team full of match-winners, the question is how much further this side can climb. Afghanistan are no longer just a dark horse. They are now firmly in the top six.

Also read: Mohammad Amir enters Afghanistan Premier League draft using British citizenship