Pakistan seal series 3-0, regain coveted No. 1 position in the ICC ODI rankings

Colombo: Pakistan's balanced performance with both bat and ball secured a convincing victory over Afghanistan to reclaim the No.1 spot in the ODI rankings. Pakistan last surged to the No.1 spot on 5 May 2023 after earning a 4-0 lead in the five-match series against New Zealand at home.

Babar Azam's leadership, Mohammad Rizwan's consistency, and the combined efforts of the bowling unit played pivotal roles in Pakistan's triumph. Afghanistan fought valiantly towards the end of the match but fell short of the target, facing the heat of Pakistan's well-rounded performance.

Chasing 269 for victory, Afghanistan's innings got off to a shaky start as they lost Rahmanullah Gurbaz (5) and Ibrahim Zadran (0) early. Riaz Hassan (34) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (13) steadied the ship, but both fell victim to Shadab Khan's spin.

Shahidullah's patient knock of 37 runs kept Afghanistan's hopes alive, but wickets fell at regular intervals on the other end. Shaheen Shah Afridi's impactful spell (2-31) removed key batters, including the dangerous Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who played an explosive knock of 64 runs.

Salman Ali Agha (1-3) provided a crucial breakthrough, and Mohammad Nawaz (2-45) chipped in with wickets to keep the pressure on Afghanistan. In the end, Afghanistan managed to score 209 runs before being bowled out in 48.4 overs.

Earlier after opting to bat first, Pakistan's innings started steadily with openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq taking a cautious approach against the Afghanistan bowling attack. However, Gulbadin Naib's breakthroughs in the 9th over removed Fakhar (27) and later Imam (13) to put Pakistan under some pressure.

Captain Babar Azam led from the front, building a crucial partnership with Mohammad Rizwan. The duo played sensibly, mixing aggression with caution to stabilise the innings with a 110-run partnership for the third wicket. Babar Azam's elegant knock of 60 runs came to an end when he was dismissed by Rashid Khan. Mohammad Rizwan continued his fine touch, crafting a well-paced innings of 67 runs.

Saud Shakeel (9) and Shadab Khan (3) fell quickly, but Salman Ali Agha's unbeaten 38-run contribution provided late impetus to Pakistan's innings. Mohammad Nawaz (30) also played a valuable cameo lower down the order. Pakistan posted a competitive total of 268-8 in their allotted 50 overs.

Fazalhaq Farooqi (1-45), Mujeeb ur Rahman (1-50), and Rashid Khan (1-42) picked up important breakthroughs. Fareed Ahmad (2-70) and Gulbadin Naib (2-36) were effective in containing the run flow.

Scores in Brief:

Pakistan beat Afghanistan by 59 runs

Pakistan: 268-8 in 50 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 67, Babar Azam 60, Salman Ali Agha 38 not out, Mohammad Nawaz 30; Gulbadin Naib 2-36, Fareed Ahmad 2-70)

Afghanistan: 209 all out in 48.4 overs (Mujeeb Ur Rahman 64, Shahidullah 37, Riaz Hassan 34; Shadab Khan 3-42, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-31, Faheem Ashraf 2-43, Mohammad Nawaz 2-45)

Player of the Match: Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)

Player of the series: Imam-ul-Haq (Pakistan)