Pakistan Outplay New Zealand In 4th ODI, Becomes No. 1 In ICC Rankings

Pakistan have sealed the number 1 spot in the ICC ODI rankings and a 4-0 lead in the series.

Pakistan and New Zealand players after the 4th ODI.

Star batter Babar Azam’s 18th century helped Pakistan outplay New Zealand by 102 runs on Friday. Babar collected 107 runs off 117 balls and powered Pakistan to a massive total of 334-6 and in reply, the Blackcaps were restricted to just 232 runs. (AFP)

With this win, Pakistan have sealed the number 1 spot in the ICC ODI rankings and a 4-0 lead in the series. The fifth and last ODI will take place on Sunday. (AFP)

“Credit goes to the entire team and support staff for becoming the No. 1 ranked ODI team,” Captain Babar said. (AFP)

“We felt it was a 300-plus wicket and if you build a partnership you can get to that total. We wanted to give a proper run to every player and since there are big events coming up, we are happy to find 15-16 players”, Babar added. (AFP)

The 28-year-old batter also completed 5,000 runs in his 97th inning, breaking South African Hashim Amla’s record of reaching the landmark in 101 outings. (AFP)

Apart from Babar,  Salman also smashed 58 off 46 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. (AFP)