Pakistan move up the ICC ODI rankings after the win over England

The rise of Pakistan Cricket in the Champions Trophy 2017 has been phenomenal. After getting humiliated by India in the tournament opener, nobody would have imagined them to become the first finalists of the tournament. They’ve been unpredictable throughout and turned the tables when it was least expected. And as if the team wasn’t already short of reasons to celebrate, here’s another one.

Pakistan have jumped one slot to seventh spot in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) MRF Tyres ODI Team Rankings. While South Africa retains the top spot in the ODI rankings, with rating of 119, Pakistan overtook Sri Lanka to take the Seventh spot, with both the teams sharing a rating of 93, respectively. Australia stand third on the table with 117 points, and India are on No. 4.

They scripted a remarkable win over England in the first semifinal, outplaying the hosts in all three departments. England’s strong batting line-up was toothless in the face of the Pakistani bowlers. “It’s a big challenge jumping from venue to venue but we’re going to have to do that with the World Cup so it’s important for us to go through games like today for our experience. I thought they (Pakistan) bowled really well. They adjusted to conditions extremely well,” England captain Eoin Morgan said in the post-match presser.

Here are the latest ODI team rankings:

An Asian finale 

Going into the marquee finals, Pakistan’s biggest concern is the fitness of Mohammad Amir who had to bench himself on Wednesday after being troubled by a back problem in the buildup to the game. But they have a good option in Rumman Raees who was exceptional against the England force.

Today’s second semifinal between Bangladesh and India will decide which team Pakistan has to face on Sunday 18^th June at The Oval. Be it India, or Bangladesh, the final promises to be a great Asian contest.