Pakistan to Move to the Top of the T20I Rankings if India Win Series Against New Zealand
Oct 31, 2017 at 6:52 PM
India-Pakistan cricketing clash is considered as the biggest on-field battle in the world alongside the Ashes. But you will be surprised to know that at least for once, Pakistan will be supporting and rooting for their neighbours when the Men in Blue takes on New Zealand in a three-match T20I series starting at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi on Wednesday.
If India wins the T20I series even by a 2-1 margin, it will help Pakistan topple New Zealand and reach the top of the ICC Rankings in T20I’s, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said in their release.
“India will do Pakistan a huge favour if they defeat New Zealand in an upcoming three-match T20 International series as such a result will see their arch rivals top the rankings.” The ICC statement read.
New Zealand is currently the No.1 team in the latest ICC Rankings in T20I’s with 125 points. Pakistan is a point behind while India is at the 5th position with 116 points.
Equation in the Rankings
New Zealand can maintain their numero uno position with a series victory. If they win by 2-1, they will move up to 126 points while if they win 3-0, New Zealand will gain seven rating points and will rise to 132 points. On the other hand, a series victory for India by any margin will help Pakistan rise to the top of the T20I rankings.
“Pakistan has closed in to within one point after securing a 3-0 win in their series against Sri Lanka that culminated in Lahore on Sunday,” the ICC said.
“India is placed fifth at 116 points and can at best go to the second position with a 3-0 win over New Zealand which will take them to 122 points. Pakistan will reach the top rank with their tally of 124 points in such a scenario with New Zealand slipping to 114 points and fifth position. Even a 2-1 series win for India will be enough for Pakistan to move to the top with New Zealand slipping to 121 points.”
Meanwhile, India’s limited-overs specialist Jasprit Bumrah will come into the series regaining his No.1 position in the Latest ICC Rankings for bowlers. Bumrah led India to a terrific win in the deciding match of the ODI series in Kanpur to help India win the series 2-1. ICC further confirmed the statement in their release as well.
Jasprit Bumrah. Image Courtesy: BCCI
“India pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah will head into the series on Wednesday as the No 1 bowler in ICC T20I Player Rankings which were updated after the Pakistan-Sri Lanka and South Africa-Bangladesh series,” the release added.
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