Pakistan became No. 1 by beating Australia's C team, NZ's D side: Misbah

Former cricketer, Misbah-ul-Haq, has asserted that Pakistan secured the top spot in ODIs earlier this year by defeating weakened Australian and New Zealand teams.

The victory over Australia came in a 2-1 ODI series in 2022, while in April, Pakistan claimed a 4-0 lead in a five-match ODI series against New Zealand, propelling them to the number one position in the ODI team rankings for the first time since the official recognition of rankings by the ICC in January 2005.

“New Zealand and Australia came to Pakistan. They were the top-ranked teams. Their C and D team came. We won against them and our rating points increased. Then West Indies and other teams came and we won against them as well. We became happy by achieving No. 1 rank, but we should keep actual facts in mind,” Misbah said on a local sports channel.

“Australia’s C team even won one match against us. Then New Zealand’s D team came, as all their main players went for IPL. We need to realistically think where do we stand as our main team is playing and their third tier players are playing, yet they are getting so close to us. Ranking doesn’t matter,” he added.

Adding to the perspective, Wasim Akram suggested that celebrating the No. 1 ranking should be contingent on maintaining the top position for a substantial period.

“We should celebrate the No. 1 ranking after remaining on top for six months at least,” Akram said.

We became no. 1 in ODIs by beating Australia's C team and New Zealand's D team - Misbah ul Haq pic.twitter.com/UafJjZbAuM

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