The highest ever! Afghanistan make historic leap, overtake Sri Lanka, England and West Indies in ODI rankings

Afghanistan cricket team (Pic credit: ICC) Afghanistan achieved a historic milestone in international cricket, breaking into the top six of the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings for the first time, moving ahead of former world champions Sri Lanka, England and the West Indies.The Afghans climbed to sixth in the latest rankings, overtaking Sri Lanka to secure their highest ever position in the 50-over format. It represents another significant chapter in the remarkable rise of a team that made its ODI debut only in 2009 and has steadily established itself as one of the most competitive teams in international cricket.Their latest success is particularly significant given the established cricketing nations they have overtaken. Afghanistan have already moved ahead of Bangladesh, England and the West Indies in the rankings and have now overtaken Sri Lanka to break into the top six.

From debutants to the powerhouse of world cricket

Afghanistan’s rise has been built on consistent performances and significant victories against some of the biggest names in the game.Since their ODI debut in 2009, they have won 96 out of 191 matches and boast an impressive win-loss ratio of 1.09. Their progress gained momentum during the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup where they achieved memorable victories over former champions Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

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Share an opinionThey carried that confidence into the shortest format, reaching the semi-finals of the Under-20 Men’s World Cup for the first time in 2024. The campaign further underlined their rising stature as they demonstrated their ability to compete with the world’s leading sides on the biggest stage.

The winning momentum supports the rise in historical ratings

Afghanistan’s latest rise has been underpinned by impressive results in recent months.They began their recent surge with a dominant 4-0 away win over Ireland before maintaining their unbeaten record in the tri-series involving Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.Their impressive form extended to the T20Is as well. Afghanistan recently wrapped up the series 3-0 against Zimbabwe, sealing a clean sweep with a convincing seven-wicket win in the third and final match in Sharjah on Sunday.The Afghans will now turn their attention to the longest format, with a two-match Test series against Zimbabwe next on the agenda.