Afghanistan breaks into top 10 in the ICC ODI rankings

The International Cricket Council today released the latest ICC ODI rankings after the conclusion of the first ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. The ranking did not have any major changes apart from Afghanistan gaining their best ODI rankings since they began playing this format. As on 24th December, before the start of the first ODI, Afghanistan were at 12 in the rankings whereas Zimbabwe were at the 10th spot. But, after the win in the first ODI, Afghanistan rose two places and jumped to 10.

The first ODI was a low scoring game which Afghanistan managed to win at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on December 25 and take a 1-0 lead in the series. Amir Hamza and Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ali Zadran were the top performers for Afghanistan on the Christmas day guiding them to a memorable 49-run win. Noor Ali Zadran took Afghanistan to a lowly 131 on a spinning track. In reply, Zimbabwe was in trouble from the start and eventually bundled out for just 82 from 30.5 overs.

The other two teams who have a chance to move up in the rankings are New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Both the teams are currently playing the ODI series. New Zealand won the first ODI Christchurch today. However, the margin of victory for them should be by 4-1 or better to press an impression on the rankings.

If New Zealand, who are currently fourth, win the series by 4-1 or better, then they can move ahead of South Africa, who are at third place. If fifth-ranked Sri Lanka wins the series by the same margin, then they can replace New Zealand at the fourth place.

ICC ODI Rankings table (As on 26 December 2015):

ICC ODI Batsmen’s Ranking Check here

ICC ODI Bowler’s Ranking Check here

ICC ODI All-Rounder’s Ranking Check here