In a first, Pakistan rise to top of T20I rankings

India’s rout of New Zealand in first T20I helps Men in Green reach landmark

KARACHI: Pakistan were given a helpful push by India on Wednesday to jump one place to the top of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) T20I rankings.

Pakistan, with 124 points courtesy a 3-0 whitewash of Sri Lanka in the recently concluded series, will be looking at India-New Zealand’s second T20I on November 4 to see if they will be able to maintain their stay at the top.

New Zealand, who are 1-0 down in the three-match T20I series against India, need to win the series 2-1 at least to pull Pakistan down.

Meanwhile, Sarfraz Ahmed and co will be praying that India beat New Zealand in one T20I at least.

With 121 points, New Zealand are second in the rankings and if they win the next two matches against India, they can go back on top with 127 points.

However, if they lose the series 2-1, they will stay on the second spot with 120 points. And if they are whitewashed by India, then they swap places will India on the fifth spot.

Congratulatory messages started flowing in for the team on Thursday.

Former Pakistan T20I captain Shahid Afridi tweeted: “Congratulations to Sarfraz Ahmed and the entire team for reaching No 1 spot in ICC T20I Rankings. Keep up the good work.”