[VIDEOS] Pakistan become the number 1 ranked team in ODIs

[Saj]

History - it's the first time Pakistan has reached the number 1 position in ODIs.

Something to be proud of I guess?

[MenInG]

Very proud!

[MenInG]

[Hextro]

Is it really the first time? I thought we would've been no 1 a couple of times in the past but I guess not.

[Rana]

Absolute joke ranking. As if we are better than England, Australia, India and even NZ main team

[Kianig89]

Something to be proud of finally will we be handed a mace, I have seen all Pakistan became the No.1 ODI side

[Amjid Javed]

History - it's the first time Pakistan has reached the number 1 position in ODIs.

Something to be proud of I guess?

Number 1 rankings in ODIs or T20s is a decent achievement, however if you are not asserting that so called dominance with trophies then no one is really going to remember that much.

ODIs to really cement your legacy as a number 1 side you need to be winning CT or world cups within that same time period

Same goes for T20s you need to be backing it up with world cup win.

Teams can achieve top of the rankings winning numerous bilateral series and then go missing in knockout tournaments.

What are fans more likely to remember when Pakistan was number 1 T20 team in world or when they won the 2009 T20 world cup.

Same goes for ODIs, are people can to celebrate number 1 spot now if we then flunk in the world cup in India?

This goes for all teams by the way and not just Pakistan.

All number 1 rankings need to be cemented with titles to have a legacy.

[Mrhandsome]

This is an absolute gun team with great batting,bowling and even decent fielding standards perfectly suited for ODIs. Only sky is the limit now. Only bad thing is the low amount of ODI cricket that is played these days

[reversehook]

take it and sip it in for whaterever it is for however we got it for however long...

[Rajdeep]

Congrats...Very good team, especially the batting.

[Titan24]

Great achievement. Bench strength/backups which Pakistan now have in whiteball cricket is something which we couldn’t have imagined few years ago.

Since the start of PSL in 2016, Pakistan has won CT 17, achieved no 1 ranking in T20Is and now in ODIs as well.

[Technics 1210]

Mubarek ho!

This is a great achievement. just goes to show you do not need money to move up the ranks!

[MenInG]

As they say, success has many fathers...

Congrats Team Pakistan for achieving #1 position in ICC ODI rankings. The best is yet to come!

— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) May 5, 2023

[MenInG]

Number 1 rankings in ODIs or T20s is a decent achievement, however if you are not asserting that so called dominance with trophies then no one is really going to remember that much.

ODIs to really cement your legacy as a number 1 side you need to be winning CT or world cups within that same time period

Same goes for T20s you need to be backing it up with world cup win.

Teams can achieve top of the rankings winning numerous bilateral series and then go missing in knockout tournaments.

What are fans more likely to remember when Pakistan was number 1 T20 team in world or when they won the 2009 T20 world cup.

Same goes for ODIs, are people can to celebrate number 1 spot now if we then flunk in the world cup in India?

This goes for all teams by the way and not just Pakistan.

All number 1 rankings need to be cemented with titles to have a legacy.

It's up to us to remember that. This is why we support Pakistan.

[Rana]

As they say, success has many fathers...

Congrats Team Pakistan for achieving #1 position in ICC ODI rankings. The best is yet to come!

— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) May 5, 2023

Didn’t Imran Khan say “I told PCB to make Babar captain” once Netherlands knocked out South Africa?

[Minnowbasher]

Oh wow what on earth?!

Wasn't really following this series that much as it's NZ C team but somehow we've ended up as number 1 ranked ODI side lol.

The reality is ODI cricket has been played very infrequently since 2019 world cup due to the 2 T20 WCs. But hey I'll take it let's go number 1 Pakistan.

[Mamoon]

As they say, success has many fathers...

Congrats Team Pakistan for achieving #1 position in ICC ODI rankings. The best is yet to come!

— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) May 5, 2023

Sethi is a good luck charm for Pakistan cricket. 2017 Champions Trophy and now this. May he continue.

[BDfanforever]

Congratulations! Great achievement. They look much stronger than 2019 WC team which missed semi by a scratch. So, anything less than Semi spot in the upcoming WC will be disappointing for Pak.

I haven't watched or enjoyed full game of Cricket in a long time. Can't wait for the ODI WC to begin.

[MenInG]

Didn’t Imran Khan say “I told PCB to make Babar captain” once Netherlands knocked out South Africa?

Yes everyone wants to take credit.

Even Mickey was given credit for the Test Mace after Misbah and WY had done all the hard work

[Mamoon]

This is the best Pakistan ODI side since mid 2000s. Fantastic top 3. People can cry about selfishness and bla bla but they clearly have no idea what they are talking about.

Babar, Imam and Fakhar are a blessing for Pakistan. The best top 3 Pakistan has ever had in this format.

[Rajdeep]

This is the best Pakistan ODI side since mid 2000s. Fantastic top 3. People can cry about selfishness and bla bla but they clearly have no idea what they are talking about.

Babar, Imam and Fakhar are a blessing for Pakistan. The best top 3 Pakistan has ever had in this format.

Do you think this top 3 of Pakistan can emulate what Dhawan, Rohit and Kohli did between 2013-2019 period?

[Caved12]

Mubarak ho bhaiyon

I am over the moon as this is a great achievement!

Babar Azam Zindabad

[Amjid Javed]

This is the best Pakistan ODI side since mid 2000s. Fantastic top 3. People can cry about selfishness and bla bla but they clearly have no idea what they are talking about.

Babar, Imam and Fakhar are a blessing for Pakistan. The best top 3 Pakistan has ever had in this format.

If this is so called best team since mid 2000s, let see how it fairs in the world cup in India and the CT in 2025. Their should be no excuses for the dire performances like we saw in the last world cup.

We've seen plenty of so called golden generation teams in sport win nothing yet be ranked number 1.

[Amjid Javed]

It's up to us to remember that. This is why we support Pakistan.

If we win the 2023 world cup or 2025 CT that will be a memory, if the team flops then this so called number 1 ranking holds no substance.

[sam_ahm]

Congrats, it is a very good achievement. We've said this before that ODIs are Pakistan's strongest format, it perfectly suits their style of play. Pakistan will be a strong contender at the World Cup.

[Mamoon]

Do you think this top 3 of Pakistan can emulate what Dhawan, Rohit and Kohli did between 2013-2019 period?

That was the GOAT top 3, it will be very difficult for this trio to reach their level because they were all superior players individually. However, there are some similarities for sure.

Fakhar might fall short due to age, but Babar and Imam will be the top two run scorers and centurions for Pakistan in ODIs by the time they retire and it will be very difficult for the future generations to beat their record.

Pakistan is very, very lucky that these three are playing in the same era.

[Mamoon]

If this is so called best team since mid 2000s, let see how it fairs in the world cup in India and the CT in 2025. Their should be no excuses for the dire performances like we saw in the last world cup.

We've seen plenty of so called golden generation teams in sport win nothing yet be ranked number 1.

Pakistan has only won 1 World Cup in history. Not winning the World Cup is not the end of the world. India hasn’t won a World Cup since 2011 but they were still a fantastic team.

Pakistan has been a joke in bilateral ODIs for too long. Their record against the major sides has been abysmal in the last 15 odd years so this is a welcome change and there is no need to moan about the World Cup.

If they don’t win the World Cup they don’t win the World Cup. Not the end of the world.

[MenInG]

[salman24]

Number 1 ODI team led by the number 1 ODI batsman.

Some will still criticize Babar lmao. Pakistani fans deserve the mediocre players that we have had for most of our history that caused Inzi and YOusuf to come in at 10/3, 15/4 and similar scores.

[Amjid Javed]

Pakistan has only won 1 World Cup in history. Not winning the World Cup is not the end of the world. India hasn’t won a World Cup since 2011 but they were still a fantastic team.

Pakistan has been a joke in bilateral ODIs for too long. Their record against the major sides has been abysmal in the last 15 odd years so this is a welcome change and there is no need to moan about the World Cup.

If they don’t win the World Cup they don’t win the World Cup. Not the end of the world.

No one cares about bilateral ODI series any more, why do you think most teams put out sub standard teams on ODI tours. Yeah Pakistans bilateral record indeed is pathetic but this current series win over new zealand is no different to when Pakistan thrashed a weakened NZ 5-0 back in 2003.

Indian fans go on all that time that they aren't happy with their icc tourney performances since 2011, you don't see them celebrating number 1 T20 and ODI rankings as they know its not worth much without winning titles.

Pakistans World cup record is pathetic, but if your hyping this team up that much then they should be massively improving on not even making the semi finals last time round. But already your on defensive with excuses.

[MenInG]

As they say, success has many fathers...

Congrats Team Pakistan for achieving #1 position in ICC ODI rankings. The best is yet to come!

— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) May 5, 2023

and right on cue

Pakistan on top of ODI Ranking for first time!
Congrats to @babarazam258
and teamPakistan.
PCB under Chairman @najamsethi always do something special for Pakistan cricket.
Last time in 2018, Pakistan remained on top in T20i & rise to No 1 in Test ranking in 2016.
Honest… pic.twitter.com/eW5256EsSY

— Shakil Shaikh (@shakilsh58) May 5, 2023

[Suleiman]

Ma Sha Allah. Mubarak ho.

[The_Cricket_Devil]

Second string side aside, it was pretty quality to see Pakistan win from different scenarios and with the depth in the squad. Still have to figure out our First XI but the signs are positive.

Side note: How's everyone doing?! Been a long time since I last posted haha

[Rana]

and right on cue

Pakistan on top of ODI Ranking for first time!
Congrats to @babarazam258
and teamPakistan.
PCB under Chairman @najamsethi always do something special for Pakistan cricket.
Last time in 2018, Pakistan remained on top in T20i & rise to No 1 in Test ranking in 2016.
Honest… pic.twitter.com/eW5256EsSY

— Shakil Shaikh (@shakilsh58) May 5, 2023

Yes Don Sheikh

[heddie19]

I see no one complaining about Babar's captaincy here. He must be doing everything good it means.

[Suleiman]

and right on cue

Pakistan on top of ODI Ranking for first time!
Congrats to @babarazam258
and teamPakistan.
PCB under Chairman @najamsethi always do something special for Pakistan cricket.
Last time in 2018, Pakistan remained on top in T20i & rise to No 1 in Test ranking in 2016.
Honest… pic.twitter.com/eW5256EsSY

— Shakil Shaikh (@shakilsh58) May 5, 2023

A proper clown ^

Friend of mine irl is in utter disbelief when I told him we’re #1. He’s like but wait, are we really #1, we’re tied with India and Australia on rating points??

bro ignored the number of matches played… his mind is still processing us being #1 after being mid table for so long.

[Amjid Javed]

Anyone know when cake cutting ceremony is and the parade through the streets of Pakistan? 🤔

[Waleed93]

This is the best Pakistan ODI side since mid 2000s. Fantastic top 3. People can cry about selfishness and bla bla but they clearly have no idea what they are talking about.

Babar, Imam and Fakhar are a blessing for Pakistan. The best top 3 Pakistan has ever had in this format.

Thank You. I came here to say this.

[Waleed93]

Babar Azam, the captain, ladies and gentlemen.

[Stewie]

seems to me this ranking system is immensely flawed. I know for a fact we are not good enough to be number 1.

[reversehook]

seems to me this ranking system is immensely flawed. I know for a fact we are not good enough to be number 1.

for once we got the longer end of the stick... so agar bachon k abba ji ban hi gaye hain toh why not meri jaan, cut a cake, sing a song, run a parade... 🙂

[Mean&Green]

Wow alhumdulliah never thought I would ever see this day but it has come

[MenInG]

Just hope the PM's been told that we could lose this if we don't win the 5th ODI!

Today is a great day as Pakistan has become the top-ranked ODI cricket team. The manner in which the Green Shirts have defeated New Zealand to book a top slot in the ICC rankings is simply outstanding.

Making the nation proud is skipper Babar Azam who earned the feat of…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 5, 2023

[Rana]

Just hope the PM's been told that we could lose this if we don't win the 5th ODI!

Today is a great day as Pakistan has become the top-ranked ODI cricket team. The manner in which the Green Shirts have defeated New Zealand to book a top slot in the ICC rankings is simply outstanding.

Making the nation proud is skipper Babar Azam who earned the feat of…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 5, 2023

Yes Shabz Shreef

Get in big man!

[JibranAnsari]

Congratulations!

We need to learn to be happy for one day at least. Tomorrow we will try to figure it out that how the hell did it happen.

We won series against SA , Australia , SL and now NZ along the way.

[gazza619]

This is the best Pakistan ODI side since mid 2000s. Fantastic top 3. People can cry about selfishness and bla bla but they clearly have no idea what they are talking about.

Babar, Imam and Fakhar are a blessing for Pakistan. The best top 3 Pakistan has ever had in this format.

Yea but Sethi has nothing to do with the no.1 rank.

[Mamoon]

Yea but Sethi has nothing to do with the no.1 rank.

Maybe not, but he is still a better chairman than those two UK imported duds.

[jattafridi]

Big Achievement

Congratulations Pakistani fans

Enjoy 🎂 🥳

[DeadlyVenom]

It seems like our cricket has been on the verge of been finished for a long time but we have won T20 WC, been top ranked T20 number 1, briefly held the test mace and in ODIs won the champions trophy and now the number 1 ranking.

Decent achievement for what seems to be our worst era

[gazza619]

It seems like our cricket has been on the verge of been finished for a long time but we have won T20 WC, been top ranked T20 number 1, briefly held the test mace and in ODIs won the champions trophy and now the number 1 ranking.

Decent achievement for what seems to be our worst era

Our worst era was when Tanvir Ahmed was our first choice test pacer.

[BunnyRabbit]

One can say anything about the rankings, but it's definitely better than our ODI team being stuck at no.7 or no.8 for over a decade.

[topspin]

Absolute joke ranking. As if we are better than England, Australia, India and even NZ main team

I'm surprised no one else has picked this up!

[Rana]

I'm surprised no one else has picked this up!

Reminds me of the scene in Shawshank Redemption, when the main character secures drinks for his fellow inmates from the prison guards. The one evening when the guards and the inmates drank cold ones in the sunset on the roof.

Let these guys rejoice today bro. It’s been a tough few years under Babar overall.

[YousafTheBeast]

Lmao - look at all you lot getting excited over a meaningless ranking.

Even England’s B team is better than our strongest xi.

Can’t believe people are doing bhangra after beating a NZ team that’s missing around 12 players.

Can’t believe @Mamoon is part of the bhangra as well.

[Waleed93]

Exactly 8 years ago, on May 5th 2015, Babar Azam tweeted about being selected for the Pakistan camp for the 1st time.

At that time, Pakistan was ranked 9th in ODIs, behind the likes of WI, SL, and even Bangladesh, struggling to even qualify for the Champions Trophy 2017.

Fast forward to 2023, and we have reached the top of the ICC rankings for the 1st time in our rich history, and the captain of the team is the same man, who wrote that tweet as a 20 years old boy.

Thank You, Babar Azam.

[moghul]

In stats , otherwise Pakistan is not the best ODI team in the world. Australia, England, India are better.

[DeadlyVenom]

In sports the concept of better team doesn't matter. All that matters is who finishes at the top of the table or finishes with the cup in their hand.

Discussions around better team etc is usually for sore losers to give them a consolation prize.

Pakistan is currently the best ranked ODI team. End of.

[DeadlyVenom]

Im not sure how the ranking permutations work but if we are iA number 1 close to the WC it can help our negotiation power if India dont play ball in the Asia cup.

A world cup without the number 1 team will certainly make headlines.

[ads101]

It’s a great achievement. We had more talented sides mid 2000s and they did nothing in tournaments and never got no.1. And we didn’t rest players for weaker teams then either.

Tired of going into tournaments as the underdog ranked 7. Or losing series after series Even if we arent the strongest team in the world, it’s still nice to be ranked up there, we should enjoy it.

[Justcrazy]

Congratulations to the Team , hope they can sustain this.

[Bilal Ahmad15]

This ODI ranking has no present day relevance

[DRsohail]

Sethi is a good luck charm for Pakistan cricket. 2017 Champions Trophy and now this. May he continue.

Then why not sarfraz .

[Ahmad-GERMANFC]

If this is so called best team since mid 2000s, let see how it fairs in the world cup in India and the CT in 2025. Their should be no excuses for the dire performances like we saw in the last world cup.

We've seen plenty of so called golden generation teams in sport win nothing yet be ranked number 1.

Pakistan did well last World Cup. Beat both finalists and didn’t make semi only cuz an easy game against SL got washed out.

[Firebat]

Regardless of how legitimate rankings are, it's nevertheless a great achievement and something to be proud of. Clearly shows this is our strongest ODI side in a long, long time.

I can assure you that all those saying "who cares" cared very much about rankings when we were 9th.

[Major]

This is a great achievement. If other teams are not sending in their best teams that aint Pakistans fault. Our job is to win series which we have been doing in odis.

The rankings are not flawed as the rating points are tied.
Pakistan earned this for the first time and should be celebrated.

[hitthestump]

This ODI ranking has no present day relevance

Exactly. Everyone is too busy making money to care.

Literally the main reason we are number 1 is because we are pariahs from the IPL. I'm sure th other countries will let us have that one while they count their dosh.

[sweep_shot]

This ODI ranking has no present day relevance

Rankings used to mean something 10-15 years ago. Not the same value as before.

Nonetheless, congratulations to Pakistan.

[Kianig89]

For how long wil we sustain this position is a matter of concern

[daytrader]

Najam Sethi congratulates Babar Azam and his side on achieving No.1 ODI ranking




"This is a day of great happiness and let's celebrate this day today because rankings keep on changing constantly as other teams are playing each other, but today is a day to celebrate - Let's enjoy it while we can"

"Once again, we are very proud of our team, proud of our captain, and the combination of our captain, team and coaches and beyond everything else proud of the nation who have created the motivation for these players to perform when they fill the stadiums in their hundreds and thousands to see these players perform and support them as well"

[JattMaula]

Congratulations Pakistan!!!!!!


King Bobby finally wears his crown!

[deep82]

The chest thumping by the prime Minster, Chairman, ex-chairman, ex-players and even current players are just cringe worthy.

Don't know if this is deliberate but Pakistan doesn't deserve No.1 in ODI one bit. Just like Babar is No.1 for playing every meaningless ODI ( even against Zim or Ned), this No.1 is hollow to say the least.

After world cup, Pakistan has played 9 ODI series- Won 7 and Lost 2. On paper , looks good.

4 out of the 7 series wins vs Zim, Ned, SL and WI.
1 against SA C ( due to IPL)
1 against NZ C ( due to IPL)
1 against Aus B ( Rest policy)

On top of that, Babar XI lost 0-3 to a Eng C team. Does a No.1 team loses like that??
All these series Pakistan played its strongest XI even against Zim and Ned.

Enjoy while it lasts, though!

[Mamoon]

Then why not sarfraz .

He is not in the current ODI squad.

[Mamoon]

Lmao - look at all you lot getting excited over a meaningless ranking.

Even England’s B team is better than our strongest xi.

Can’t believe people are doing bhangra after beating a NZ team that’s missing around 12 players.

Can’t believe @Mamoon is part of the bhangra as well.

I don’t think apart from a select few delusional fans, no one is naive enough to believe that Pakistan is the best ODI team in the world.

If Pakistan play full-strength India, England or Australia, they will probably lose although there is no doubt that Pakistan has closed the gap somewhat because the quality of batting has improved leaps and bounds over the last couple of years after Babar and Imam have truly come into their own in this format.

Also, you would expect Pakistan to beat full-strength South Africa and New Zealand at least in home conditions.

Besides, since 2006 when Pakistan reached #2 in the ODI rankings after beating Sri Lanka, they have been consistently ranked 6th and 7th in the format. It is a very welcome change and a great sight to see them reach #1 in this format.

The problems are what they are and this ranking is unlikely to be sustained for a significant period of time but you would rather be ranked #1 than not, so I don’t see people are crying and moaning about it.

It is as if they don’t want to see Pakistan become the number 1 ranked team which I find quite strange. Just watch the game and enjoy. Modern cricket fans have an unhealthy obsession with adding asterisks to every damn thing.

Be it individual players performances, individual players rankings and team rankings. No one is allowed to enjoy the game anymore and no one lets the next person enjoy the game either.

[MenInG]

Najam Sethi congratulates Babar Azam and his side on achieving No.1 ODI ranking




"This is a day of great happiness and let's celebrate this day today because rankings keep on changing constantly as other teams are playing each other, but today is a day to celebrate - Let's enjoy it while we can"

"Once again, we are very proud of our team, proud of our captain, and the combination of our captain, team and coaches and beyond everything else proud of the nation who have created the motivation for these players to perform when they fill the stadiums in their hundreds and thousands to see these players perform and support them as well"

Even to Sethi's credit he is asking fans to keep their feet on the ground.

[MenInG]

Babar Azam On Leading Pakistan to No.1 Spot on ICC ODI Team Rankings

[Amjid Javed]

Pakistan did well last World Cup. Beat both finalists and didn’t make semi only cuz an easy game against SL got washed out.

Most teams had a game rained off in world cup so that's a feeble excuse. Finishing 5th and not making semi finals is not doing well. Pakistan had plenty of other games to help make the semi finals. The pathetic effort vs WI being one of them. Winning a couple of games against finalist and then losing to lesser teams shows how inconsistent Pakistan was.

[Amjid Javed]

I don’t think apart from a select few delusional fans, no one is naive enough to believe that Pakistan is the best ODI team in the world.

If Pakistan play full-strength India, England or Australia, they will probably lose although there is no doubt that Pakistan has closed the gap somewhat because the quality of batting has improved leaps and bounds over the last couple of years after Babar and Imam have truly come into their own in this format.

Also, you would expect Pakistan to beat full-strength South Africa and New Zealand at least in home conditions.

Besides, since 2006 when Pakistan reached #2 in the ODI rankings after beating Sri Lanka, they have been consistently ranked 6th and 7th in the format. It is a very welcome change and a great sight to see them reach #1 in this format.

The problems are what they are and this ranking is unlikely to be sustained for a significant period of time but you would rather be ranked #1 than not, so I don’t see people are crying and moaning about it.

It is as if they don’t want to see Pakistan become the number 1 ranked team which I find quite strange. Just watch the game and enjoy. Modern cricket fans have an unhealthy obsession with adding asterisks to every damn thing.

Be it individual players performances, individual players rankings and team rankings. No one is allowed to enjoy the game anymore and no one lets the next person enjoy the game either.

So you saying rankings etc.. can't be enjoyed by fans anymore because it's scrutinised to much. Yet your some one who openly mocked Pakistan under misbah when they were test number 1 and it was a fake position that was not deserved.

At least stay consistent with you views rather then changing to suit your new agenda.

[sam_ahm]

Pakistan should not get carried away here. This is the time they need to put their head down and focus on building on this achievement with the World Cup in 5 months time . This is a great time to be No. 1 in ODIs to be honest, in a World Cup year you want to be doing well in this format and have a settled team. Don't mess it up by getting carried away.

[JibranAnsari]

Our only chance of winning world cup is if Nawaz shareef becomes PM before the WC.
Elections kerwa do!

[abughio]

It's very strange that people have arguments just to satisfy themselves, Pakistan was low ranked side for long because they were mostly below 5. Now they are not good side but at the top.

Also, it should be noted that, india aus are good teams but they are no more world beaters as they were used to be.. Pak can compete with them and actually can win against them. Pak will not lose 3/0 to these teams as people are claiming it to be..

Pakistan genuinely need spinner, shadab and nawaz is mot good enough at least according to current form. This is where Pak is gonna lose games in world cup