Pakistan claimed the number 1 spot in the latest ICC T20I team rankings as they beat New Zealand by 18 runs in the decider T20I and clinching the series 2-1. This victory gave them boost in the rankings and once again they proved why they are often called best T20I side in the world.
In case you missed it…
🇵🇰1️⃣ @TheRealPCB returned to the top of the @MRFWorldwide ICC T20I Team Rankings for the third time in as many months after winning their three-match series against New Zealand.
👉 https://t.co/1i875Ly7VI pic.twitter.com/lt5FGLLtzx
— ICC (@ICC) January 28, 2018
Pakistan (124 points) had entered the series trailing number-one ranked New Zealand (126 points) by two points. However, a 2-1 series win means Pakistan have jumped to 126 points, while New Zealand have slipped to 123 points.
India is at third position with 121 points, followed by England (119) and ICC World Twenty20 champions the West Indies (115).
ICC T20I Rankings
| Teams | Ranking | Rating |
| PAK | 1 | 126 |
| NZ | 2 | 123 |
| IND | 3 | 121 |
| ENG | 4 | 119 |
| WI | 5 | 115 |
| SA | 6 | 112 |
| AUS | 7 | 111 |
| SL | 8 | 88 |
| AFG | 9 | 86 |
| BAN | 10 | 76 |
| SCO | 11 | 67 |
This victory is also important because Pakistan team was 1-0 behind in the series and from their made a comeback by beating New Zealand comprehensively.
Chasing a target of 182, New Zealand could only manage 163/6 in their full quota of 20 overs before this Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat in the third and final Twenty20 International in Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Earlier, Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman top-scored with 46 and took his team to 181/6 in 20 overs.
It noticeable an implausible comeback for the visitors as they were whitewashed in the five-match one-day series on arrival in New Zealand and lost the first Twenty20.
“It was a tough tour for us because… we lost the (ODI) series but T20s is a totally different format,” said speedster Mohammad Amir, who won the man-of-the-series award.
“It is very special for all Pakistani people.”
Ahmed praised the team effort and the way his side refused to be bowed after a disappointing start to the tour.
“They way we came back after 6-0, credit go to my boys. They worked really hard and now we are again number one.”
