Afghanistan have leapfrogged England in the ICC ODI rankings, reclaiming their all-time top position after a year

Afghanistan cricket team (Image: IANS) Afghanistan have climbed to seventh in the latest ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, leapfrogging England after defeating Zimbabwe in the tri-series final. As a result of the rise, Afghanistan equaled their all-time top ranking, first achieved in May 2025.Afghanistan are ranked 94 points, one ahead of England, who have dropped to eighth place with 93.In the tri-series final, Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by seven wickets to win the ODI tri-series final in Sharjah, completing a dominant chase of 170 in just 34.3 overs.Ibrahim Zadran led the chase with an unbeaten 70 off 96 balls while Rahmat Shah contributed 43 and Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 36. The victory came after the Afghan bowlers restricted Zimbabwe to 169 in 43.3 overs.Sikandar Raza top scored for Zimbabwe with 68 off 83 balls while Ryan Burl added 31. Rashid Khan played with the ball taking 3/41 while Mohammad Nabi picked up two wickets in 25 runs. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Bilal Sami also claimed two wickets each.Zadran was named Man of the Match while Rashid was awarded Player of the Series after taking 11 wickets in the tournament.

ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings: Top 10

PositionTeamMatchesPointsRating1India364.1221152New Zealand353.8091093South Africa343.5471044Pakistan343.5051035Australia353.5681026Sri Lanka413.896957Afghanistan312.926948England363.331939Bangladesh413.3048110West Indies372.92479

The rise of Afghanistan adds intrigue to the rankings

Afghanistan’s rise to seventh place marks another significant step in their development as a formidable force in ODI cricket ahead of the 2027 FIFA World Cup. By leapfrogging England, they have equaled their all-time best ranking and strengthened their position among the format’s top teams, with sixth-placed Sri Lanka just one rating point ahead.India, meanwhile, continue to set the bar at the top, holding a six-point lead over New Zealand. South Africa, Pakistan and Australia complete the top five.