‘This is the result of the entire team’s effort’ – Babar Azam reacts after Pakistan secure No. 1 spot in ODI rankings

Babar Azam. (Photo source: ASIF HASSAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has reflected on his team’s efforts after Pakistan earned the No.1 spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings. The Men in Blue achieved the pole position following their 3-0 ODI series sweep against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka. Pakistan are now ahead of Australia, with 2725 points and 118 rating points.

The Babar Azam-led side registered a comfortable 142-run win over Afghanistan in the first ODI. The Men in Green then outplayed Afghanistan by one wicket in a nail-biting second game. Meanwhile, in the third match, the batters performed admirably after the bowlers ensured a dominating win by 59 runs. In the same vein, while speaking to PCB after the third ODI, Babar Azam described the No. 1 spot in the ranking as the result of the team’s hard work.

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“Whenever you achieve the No.1 spot, it gives you a lot of joy. This is the result of the entire team’s effort. We’ve been here before, but unfortunately, we lost that position after losing a game. But we’re back here by the grace of god. This is due to our hard work and performances,” Babar told PCB.

The momentum we’ve achieved in this series will give us a lot of confidence: Azam

Babar Azam went on to say that the three-game series against Afghanistan was a tough one, mentioning the opponents as a formidable side. The momentum Pakistan gained in the series will boost their confidence heading to the much-awaited Asia Cup, according to the 28-year-old.

“We are excited, and this series win will help us. This wasn’t an easy series, even if some might assume otherwise. Afghanistan are a tough side, their spinners are one of the best (in the world). The momentum we’ve achieved in this series will give us a lot of confidence. We are excited about the Asia Cup and are looking forward to Multan,” he added.

Pakistan, who are co-hosting the continental championship, will open their campaign against debutants Nepal in Multan on August 30.  Subsequently, they will square off against archrivals India on September 2, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, in Kandy.