Afghanistan's national cricket team has reached a historic milestone in the latest International Cricket Council men's one-day international team rankings. Having played their inaugural ODI match in 2009, the Afghan side has broken into the top six positions globally for the very first time. On the back of consistent performances, Afghanistan climbed past former world champions Sri Lanka, England, and the West Indies to secure this standing. A major boost to this progress came from their title run in the one-day tri-series staged in the United Arab Emirates last month, which was closely followed by their championship victory at the Hong Kong Super Sixes tournament.
Seventeen Years of Progress and 96 One-Day Victories
Since entering international one-day cricket in 2009, Afghanistan has contested a total of 191 ODIs, securing 96 victories along the way. That sustained competitive record across a 17-year journey provided the foundation for their ascent into the elite bracket of the table. In contrast, Sri Lanka also holds 94 rating points but dropped to seventh place. Sri Lanka's slip follows a three-wicket defeat in the final of the ODI tri-series in Lahore, having also suffered a 55-run loss to England prior to that title decider. Lower down the ladder, England occupies eighth position with 93 points, Bangladesh sits ninth on 81 points, and the West Indies rounds out the top ten with 79 points.
India Retains Top Ranking with 115 Rating Points
The summit of the men's ODI rankings remains occupied by India, standing clear at number one with 115 points. India's previous one-day assignment came on home soil against the West Indies. The team now turns its attention to an upcoming five-match away ODI tour against New Zealand, scheduled to commence on November 4.
Upcoming Fixtures and Surrounding Teams in the Table
Behind India, New Zealand holds second position with 109 rating points. South Africa sits in third place with 104 points, narrowly ahead of Pakistan, who also possesses 104 points in fourth position, while Australia is positioned fifth on 102 points. Several bilateral series will soon test these standings. Australia is set to host England in a three-match ODI series starting November 13, and South Africa will begin a three-game home one-day series against Bangladesh on December 1.
