Pakistan secure top slot in ICC T20 rankings

Pakistan Twenty20 team has secured the number one position at the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings following a 53-run defeat to New Zealand at the hands of India in the first match of a three-match series.

A record opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan helped the hosts win the match in New Delhi on Wednesday. The pair put on 158 runs – India’s best for any wicket – to take the hosts to 202-3 and then restricted the Kiwis to 149-8 and take lead in the series.

New Zealand is at number two with 121 points behind Pakistan with 124 points, it secured by clean sweeping the three-match series against Sri Lanka earlier in the month.

West Indies have retained the number three slot with 120 points.

However, Pakistan would hope that the Kiwis lose at least one more match of the India series for retaining the T20 crown.

Source: The Express Tribune