Pakistan vs New Zealand 2023

'NZ ki C team se khel ke' - Fans react as Pakistan top ODI rankings for first time in history

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Akshay
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PAK vs NZ 4th ODI

PAK vs NZ 4th ODI (Source: Twitter)

PAK vs NZ 4th ODI PAK vs NZ 4th ODI (Source: Twitter)

Pakistan created history with a thumping 102-run win over New Zealand in the fourth ODI in Karachi on Friday, May 5, becoming the top-ranked team in the 50-over format for the first time in ODI history. Pakistan has been doing well in white ball cricket for the past couple of years, which has led them to achieve the No. 1 ODI ranking for the first time in history. With the World Cup approaching, the Men in Green are sending out frightening signals to the competitors.

After clinching the series 3-0, a highly confident Pakistan team elected to bat first in the 4th ODI and captain Babar Azam scored a magnificent century to guide the hosts to a massive score of 334. Babar passed 5000 runs in the 50-over format with a 117-ball 107. Agha Salman scored a brilliant half-century and added a 117-run partnership with Babar.

In reply, New Zealand struggled against Pakistan's high-quality bowling attack. Apart from captain Tom Latham's 60 and Mark Chapman's 46, there were no valuable contributions and they were restricted to 232-10 in 43.4 overs. Leg-spinner Usma Mir (4-43) and Mohammad Wasim Jr (3-40) were the two who broke the back of the Kiwi batting lineup.

"Has been filled with support, sacrifices and struggle": Babar Azam

Asked about becoming the No. 1 side in ODIs, Babar said,

"Team's efforts and the work from the support staff has helped us to be number 1, Credit to the boys for putting in the effort in tough times. The journey has been good. And has been a memorable one. Has been filled with support, sacrifices and struggle so far."

Meanwhile, after latest rankings were published, former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif sent a subtle message to the Cricket Governing Body and the Asia Cricket Council (ACC). His comments came amid concerns over Pakistan's participation in the World Cup, which is set to take place in India later this year.

"Perfect timing to achieve No1. ODI rankings. This, supported by high rankings of Babar, Fakhar, Imam, Shaheen and Shadab, will make the Cricket Governing Body, ICC and their sponsors think hard before making any decisions. Pakistan is a force and they have demonstrated this again. Well done lads," Latif write on Twitter.

Pakistan's previous best ODI ranking was third, which they achieved in January 2018 and again in June 2022. However, Twitter was flooded with trolls for the Pakistan cricket team's new feat, with many saying they were playing against New Zealand's 'B' and 'C' team. Some highlighted that everyone else is busy with IPL and only these two teams are, currently, playing ODI cricket.

Let's take a look at some of the fan reactions after Pakistan topped the ODI rankings:

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Pakistan Babar Azam New Zealand PAK vs NZ