Pakistan surge back to the top of ICC T20I team rankings after series win over New Zealand

Team Pakistan managed to change their dwindling fortunes in their most recent international assignment. After having lost the ODI series 0-5 against the hosts, New Zealand, the Men in Green were down and out in the T20I series as well. They had lost the first T20I in a very pathetic way that had drawn a lot of criticism for their side. However, the spirited side came back strong to respond to their critics.

It all looked like an overnight transition in the Pakistan batting lineup. They piled up a total in excess of 200 runs in the second T20I to register their first win on tour. And now, they have beaten New Zealand in the third and final T20I of the series. The 18-run win in the final game has sealed the series 2-1 for Pakistan, in what seems to be a historic effort of all sorts.

With the superlative effort, they have scaled back to the top of the ICC T20I team rankings. This is the third time that they have reached the top of the team rankings in a period of 3 months. Coming in to the series, they were ranked second with 124 rating points to their credit. They trailed the hosts, New Zealand, who were placed at the top with 126 points to their name.

And now, with a series win, the Pakistani side has also managed to get 126 points to their name. Meanwhile, New Zealand have slipped to the number two spot with 123 points to their name. They will have another crack at the top spot when they take on Australia and England in a T20I tri-series in Australia in February this year.

Others in fray

Also, in the series, England will have a chance to improve their standings. They are currently placed at number 4 spot with 119 points to their account. The hosts of the tri-series, Australia, are placed at number 7 in the rankings though. Also, team India, who are placed at number 3 with 121 points, will have a chance to jump up the ranking when they face off against South Africa in a 3-match T20I series next month.

Latest T20I team rankings

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