The ascent into the global top six was accelerated by a 4-0 away series victory over Ireland and an undefeated run during a tri-series involving Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. Since beginning international one-day cricket in 2009, the squad has secured 96 victories across 191 matches, maintaining a 1.09 win-loss ratio. That cross-format momentum continued in Sharjah with a 3-0 sweep against Zimbabwe, concluded by a seven-wicket win. The side is now preparing to transition into multi-day cricket for an upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe.
Key points
Landmark victories against Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the 2023 World Cup established signi…: Landmark victories against Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the 2023 World Cup established significant momentum for this historic ranking rise.
Dominant recent bilateral form includes an unbeaten tri-series run and a 4-0 away series…: Dominant recent bilateral form includes an unbeaten tri-series run and a 4-0 away series triumph against Ireland.
The squad will shift focus to the longest format of international cricket for an upcoming…: The squad will shift focus to the longest format of international cricket for an upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe.
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Afghanistan have reached a historic milestone in international cricket, breaking into the top six of the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings for the first time and moving ahead of former world champions Sri Lanka, England and the West Indies.
The Afghans have climbed to sixth place in the latest rankings, surpassing Sri Lanka to secure their highest-ever position in the 50-over format. It marks another significant chapter in the remarkable rise of a side that made its ODI debut only in 2009 and has steadily established itself among the most competitive teams in international cricket.
Their latest achievement is particularly significant given the established cricketing nations they have overtaken. Afghanistan had already moved ahead of Bangladesh, England and the West Indies in the rankings and have now gone past Sri Lanka to break into the top six.
From debutants to a force in world cricket
Afghanistan's rise has been built on consistent performances and landmark victories against some of the biggest names in the game.
Since making their ODI debut in 2009, they have won 96 of their 191 matches,…
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