Pakistan’s hopes of automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup received another big blow, as they plummeted to their lowest-ever rating of 86 after losing the five-match ODI series against England 4-1.
Despite the four-wicket consolation win in Cardiff on Saturday, the Men in Green are in danger of failing to qualify for the upcoming 50-over World Cup as they are now eight points behind eighth-ranked West Indies.
Previously, Pakistan started the ODI series against England on 87 points. However, this is their lowest-ever points tally since the current rankings system was introduced in 2001.With forthcoming ODI series against West Indies and Australia, Mickey Arthur’s men have a mountain to climb to keep alive their chances of automatic qualification.
Meanwhile, Australia and England have consolidated their positions atop the International Cricket Council (ICC) ODI team rankings after completing identical 4-1 series victories over their respective opponents.
Australia, who claimed a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Sunday, moved from 123 to 124 points, opening up an 11-point advantage over New Zealand. They will now aim to claim the ICC Champions Trophy title to add to their World Cup trophy.Meanwhile, England’s series result against Pakistan has seen the hosts move from 106 points to 107 points in fifth position, three behind India and South Africa, who are on 110 points each.
England and the seven highest-ranked sides on the ODI team rankings as of September 30, 2017, will qualify directly for the ICC’s pinnacle 50-over tournament, while the remaining two sides will progress after playing qualifiers in 2018.
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