karachi, 5 May 2023 (GNP): Pakistan team made history by becoming the Number 1 ODI team for the first time in ICC rankings. They defeated New Zealand by 102 runs in the fourth ODI at Karachi on May 5 to achieve this feat. The hosts have taken 4-0 lead in the five-match series and have dethroned Australia from the top spot.
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The star of the show was captain Babar, who scored a magnificent 107 off 117 balls, his 18th ODI century. Moreover, He also became the fastest batsman to reach 5,000 ODI runs in his 97th innings. He surpassed the record of South African Hashim Amla who did it in 101 innings.
Agha Salman supported Babar from the other end, and made a quickfire 58 off 46 balls. The duo added 117 runs for the fourth wicket and set the platform for a big total.
Finally, Pakistan posted 334-6 in their 50 overs, thanks to some late hitting by Shaheen and Haris Rauf, who smashed 38 runs off the last two overs. New Zealand’s bowling attack was led by Matt Henry, who took two wickets and a brilliant catch off his own bowling.
Also Read: Babar Azam becomes fastest to score 5000 ODI runs
In reply, New Zealand never looked comfortable against Pakistan’s spinners and pacers. They lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 232 in the 43rd over.
Tom Latham was the only batsman to offer some resistance with a fighting 60. Besides him, The other notable contribution came from Mark Chapman. He scored 46 before he was trapped lbw by Usama Mir.
Furthermore, Mir, who was playing his first ODI, was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets for 43 runs. Another notable bowler was M. Wasim, who took three wickets for 40 runs. Pakistan’s fielding was also sharp, as they effected two run-outs and took some stunning catches.
Pakistan have achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the number 1 ODI team in the world. They have shown consistency and dominance in the format and have outplayed New Zealand in all departments. They will look to complete a clean sweep in the final ODI on Sunday and celebrate their historic achievement with their fans.
