Pakistan sit pretty at the top of the ICC T20I rankings after two consecutive series victories

A rejuvenated Pakistan side have reinforced their dominance in the shortest format of the game and have extended their lead in the ICC T20I rankings. The Sarfraz Ahmed-led side have emerged victorious in two consecutive series now. Not only did they win the series, but they registered two whitewashes, against two highly competent sides nonetheless.

Playing in the UAE which has served them as their adopted home, Pakistan first began their season with a bit of criticism, for not having been able to win the Dubai Test where they had Australia on the ropes. Sarfraz Ahmed was particularly targeted for his poor captaincy and many called for him to be removed from the role.

However, Pakistan immediately turned things around when they came to Abu Dhabi for the second Test and thrashed the Australians. They carried that momentum into the shortest format as well and were clinical in all three matches against an inexperienced Australian side.

Australia and New Zealand suffer series defeats

The visitors faced humiliation, especially when they were reduced to 22-6 at one stage during the first T20I. Pakistan had no difficulty in winning the next two encounters, and eventually registered a rare whitewash over the Kangaroos. As Aaron Finch’s side returned to Australian shores, Pakistan welcomed their neighbours New Zealand, who promised to put up a much better fight. So they did, but nevertheless fell marginally short against a Pakistan side that was growing from strength to strength. The hosts were hence able to bring up their 11th straight series victory.

The Green Shirts were covered in all departments, led by Babar Azam who became the fastest man to reach 1000 T20I runs. Babar overtook India skipper Virat Kohli, a cricketer to whom he’s often been compared. Meanwhile, leg-spinner Shadab Khan asserted his dominance with the ball, and finished as the highest wicket-taker of the year in T20Is. Pakistan currently stand well clear of arch-rivals India in the ICC T20I rankings, with Australia and England following them in third and fourth positions respectively.

Updated T20I rankings #Cricket pic.twitter.com/NExh834Hlg

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) November 6, 2018

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