Afghanistan reach highest-ever sixth position in ICC Men's ODI rankings
The team has moved past Sri Lanka, England, and the West Indies to secure its best-ever ranking in the 50-over format.
Afghanistan have climbed to sixth place in the latest ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings, marking their highest-ever position in the format, according to Telangana Today and The Assam Tribune.
The team has moved ahead of Sri Lanka, having already surpassed Bangladesh, England, and the West Indies in the rankings. Since entering international one-day cricket in 2009, Afghanistan has won 96 of its 191 ODIs, maintaining a win-loss ratio of 1.09.
The rise follows significant performances, including victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. The side also reached the semi-finals of the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup for the first time.
Recent momentum includes a 4-0 series sweep against Ireland and an unbeaten run in a tri-series involving Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. In T20Is, Afghanistan recently completed a 3-0 series victory against Zimbabwe in Sharjah on Sunday.
In the final T20I match on Sunday, left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad claimed 5/13 to help dismiss Zimbabwe for 79. Afghanistan chased the target in 11.4 overs, with Ibrahim Zadran remaining unbeaten on 25 and Azmatullah Omarzai on 18.
The team will now turn its attention to a two-match Test series against Zimbabwe.