Pakistan beat Afghanistan by 59 runs, secure top spot in ODI cricket rankings

Web Desk: The Pakistan team defeated Afghanistan by 59 runs in the third and final one-day international (ODI) of the three-match series held in Hambantota, Sri Lanka.

With this victory, the Pakistan team have now secured the top spot in the ODI cricket rankings.

🏆 𝐖 𝐈 𝐍 𝐍 𝐄 𝐑 𝐒 🏆

Presenting the No.1⃣ ODI side 😎#AFGvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen | #ThePakistanWay pic.twitter.com/2z3h5smdzo

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 26, 2023

1️⃣6️⃣5️⃣ runs in three innings including two half-centuries ✨@ImamUlHaq12 is the player of the series for his solid performances 🏆#AFGvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/K9J45KqESt

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 26, 2023

Read more: ‘Pakistan Zindabad🇵🇰’, Twitter celebrates Pakistan topping ODI rankings

Pakistan’s innings: 

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Pakistan set a target of 269 runs for Afghanistan. Pakistan concluded their innings at 268-8 in 50 overs, with both Mohammad Rizwan (67) and Babar Azam (60) contributing fifties to the scoreboard.

The series was hosted by Afghanistan in Sri Lanka due to security fears. Pakistan won the first match by 142 runs, and the second match by one wicket.