Pakistan became the No. 1 ODI team after whitewashing Afghanistan

 Pakistan beat Afghanistan in the final of the one-day international (ODI) to sweep the series and emerge as the superior side on Saturday.

Chasing a target of 269 runs, Afghanistan were dismissed for 209 runs in 48.4 overs.

Leg-spinner Shadab Khan was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers with figures of 3-42 in 10 overs.

Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf and Shaheen Afridi took two wickets each.

Earlier, Pakistan set a target of 269 runs for Afghanistan in the third match.

The men in green elected to bat first after winning the toss in the last match of the series. Pakistan finished on 268-8 in 50 overs. Mohammad Rizwan (67) and Babar Azam (60) scored for the Man in Green fifties.

Ahead of today's match, Pakistan captain Babar Azam noted that the first 10 overs will be tough.

"We will increase the pressure on the Afghan team by setting a huge target," he said, adding that there were four changes in the playing XI.

He added that Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Wasim Jr are playing in place of Usama Mir, Iftikhar Ahmed, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf today.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, suffered a blow when all-rounder Azmatullah Umarzai was ruled out of the third ODI due to a side strain.

All-rounder Gulbadin Naíb has been brought in to replace Azmatullah, the Afghanistan Cricket Board said.

During the final match, the two sides faced off in an intense clash; however, Pakistan won by one wicket.

The men in green continued their fine form, although at one point the match seemed lost. However, Naseem Shah, who led Pakistan to victory against the same opposition in the 2022 Asia Cup, once again steered Pakistan to a thrilling victory in the last match, helping the side score a much-needed 11 runs off 6 balls.

Playing XI

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Shaheen Afridi.

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Gulbadin Naib, Riaz Hassan, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Read about Pakistan's remarkable journey to becoming the world's No.1 ODI team after a dominating win over Afghanistan. Explore the key moments and performances that took Pakistan to the top of the ICC ODI rankings."

Pakistan become number one ODI team after whitewash Afghanistan: Remarkable achievement

In a historic turn of events, Pakistan claimed the coveted title of world number one ODI team and cemented their dominance with an exceptional whitewash over Afghanistan. This monumental achievement reflects Pakistan's unwavering commitment to excellence in cricket and their remarkable journey to the top of the ICC ODI rankings.

Key points of Pakistan's triumph:

Matchless performance: Pakistan's journey to the top of ODI cricket has been nothing short of spectacular. Their consistent and outstanding performances have earned them a well-deserved reputation as a force to be reckoned with in international cricket.

Whitewashing Afghanistan: The recent whitewashing of Afghanistan by Pakistan in the ODI series showcased their exceptional skill, teamwork and determination. In the series, Pakistan secured victory in all the matches, underlining their exceptional command of the game.

Star Performers: The series witnessed some stellar performances from Pakistan's star players. The batsmen displayed remarkable finesse while the bowlers displayed perfect control over line and length. This harmonious blend of talent contributed to Pakistan's stunning success.

Consistency and Strategy: Pakistan's rise to the top of the rankings was no fluke; it was the result of careful planning, strategic execution and unwavering commitment. Their consistent form and strategic gameplay set them apart on their way to glory.

Team unity and resilience: The win is a testament to Pakistan's unity and resilience as a team. Their ability to face challenges head on and emerge victorious speaks volumes for their camaraderie and determination.

Impact on ICC ODI Ratings:

Pakistan's emphatic triumph over Afghanistan has propelled them to the zenith of the ICC ODI rankings. This remarkable achievement not only reflects their dominance in the limited-overs format but also cements their status as cricketing powerhouses on the global stage.

Future prospectuses:

With the ODI No. 1 ranking, Pakistan now has the responsibility to maintain its position and set new benchmarks for excellence in cricket. As they look ahead, the challenge is to maintain their winning momentum and continue to inspire cricket fans around the world.

Pakistan's journey to becoming the number one ODI after whitewashing Afghanistan is an inspiring story of dedication, talent and teamwork. Their remarkable success shows their unwavering commitment to the sport and positions them as leaders in the international cricket arena. As Pakistan continue to make inroads in the world of cricket, their journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for budding cricketers and fans alike.

In an extraordinary display of cricketing excellence, Pakistan climbed to the top of the One Day International (ODI) cricket rankings by completely dominating Afghanistan in a series that culminated in a glaring whitewash. This remarkable achievement not only underlines Pakistan's cricketing prowess but also cements its position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket.

Crowning Glory: Pakistan ranks number one in the ODI rankings

With an unassailable performance that left cricket enthusiasts in awe, Pakistan successfully secured the top position in the ICC ODI Team Rankings. This remarkable performance comes on the heels of a sensational series against Afghanistan where Pakistan's players showed their skill and determination on the field and left no room for the opposition to retaliate.

A clean sweep: Whitewashing Afghanistan in style

The road to the No. 1 spot was paved with a remarkable run of wins as Pakistan pulled off a perfect whitewash against Afghanistan. The Pakistan team displayed an exceptional combination of batting, bowling and fielding skills and left no one in doubt about their dominance on the cricket field. Each match was a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence and captured the attention of fans around the world.

Pakistan's journey to glory: Key players and unforgettable moments

Several key players played a key role in Pakistan's triumphant journey to the No. 1 ODI ranking. From explosive batting performances to game-changing bowling spells, these players showcased their skills at critical junctures and cemented Pakistan's position as cricketing powerhouses. Memorable moments from the series include [mention specific memorable moments or performances eg centuries, record partnerships, extraordinary catches etc].

Impact on the global cricket landscape

Pakistan's remarkable success not only cements its position as the premier ODI team, but also has a significant impact on the global cricket scene. Their exceptional performance serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers around the world and contributes to the growing enthusiasm for the sport. Moreover, this achievement sets the stage for exciting encounters in future tournaments as the teams now aim to dethrone Pakistan from their well-deserved No.1 ranking.

Pakistan's rare rise to the top of the ICC ODI Team Rankings through a comprehensive whitewash of Afghanistan is a testament to their cricketing prowess and commitment to excellence. As they bask in the glory of their hard-earned success, cricket enthusiasts and fans eagerly await their next exploits on the field. Pakistan's journey to becoming the No. 1 ODI team is an iconic chapter in the annals of cricket history and an inspiration for generations to come.

"In a remarkable performance, Pakistan cricket team achieved the coveted No. 1 ODI ranking after a commanding win against Afghanistan. Find out how Pakistan's exceptional performance propels them to the top of the ODI rankings."

In a cricketing spectacle that will be remembered for years to come, Pakistan's national cricket team clinched the coveted World No. 1 One Day International (ODI) title. This historic achievement was achieved after a resounding whitewash of Afghanistan, cementing Pakistan's dominance in the cricket field.

An intense cricketing battle saw Pakistan defeat Afghanistan in a series of ODI matches that showed the team's unwavering prowess and unwavering determination. In every game, Pakistan's players displayed exceptional skill, teamwork and strategic brilliance, leaving fans and pundits in awe.

This remarkable journey to the pinnacle of ODI cricket began with Pakistan's meticulous preparation, dedicated training and a deep-rooted commitment to excellence. The team's robust training regime, polished techniques and comprehensive game plans have been reflected in their flawless performance on the pitch.

Pakistan's rise to the top of the ODI rankings serves as a testament to their unique teamwork and unity. The players demonstrated perfect coordination, complemented each other and worked smoothly towards a common goal - victory. Their synchronized efforts not only outplayed the opposition but also won the hearts of millions of cricket enthusiasts around the world.

The whitewash of Afghanistan in the ODI series was not just a victory in numbers; it was a statement of Pakistan's cricketing supremacy. The matches were full of great moments, from breathtaking batting displays to stunning bowling performances. This comprehensive triumph cemented Pakistan's position as a force to be reckoned with in the cricket arena.

As Pakistan celebrates its success as the new No. 1 ODI team, the cricketing world is witnessing the nation's remarkable journey. This victory is a testament to Pakistan's rich cricketing heritage, the amalgamation of talent, dedication and passion that has taken them to the pinnacle of success.

Pakistan's rise to become the No. 1 ODI team after a flawless whitewash of Afghanistan is a defining moment in cricket history. Their exceptional performance, unwavering teamwork and unmatched commitment have rightly earned them the prestigious title, marking a new era of dominance in the world of cricket.