Afghanistan Cricket Team (Image: IANS)
Afghanistan have climbed to seventh place in the latest ICC Men's ODI team rankings, leapfrogging England after defeating Zimbabwe in the tri-series final. The rise sees Afghanistan equal their all-time highest ranking, which they first achieved in May 2025.Afghanistan have a rating of 94 points, one ahead of England, who have slipped to eighth with 93.
In the tri-series final, Afghanistan defeated Zimbabwe by seven wickets to win the ODI tri-series final in Sharjah, completing a dominant chase of 170 in just 34.3 overs.
Ibrahim Zadran led the chase with an unbeaten 70 off 96 balls, while Rahmat Shah contributed 43 and Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 36. The victory came after Afghanistan's bowlers restricted Zimbabwe to 169 in 43.3 overs.Sikandar Raza top-scored for Zimbabwe with 68 off 83 balls, while Ryan Burl added 31. Rashid Khan starred with the ball, claiming 3/41, while Mohammad Nabi picked up two wickets for 25 runs. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Bilal Sami also claimed two wickets each.Zadran was named Player of the Match, while Rashid earned Player of the Series honours after taking 11 wickets in the tournament.
ICC Men's ODI team rankings: Top 10
| Position | Team | Matches | Points | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 36 | 4,122 | 115 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 35 | 3,809 | 109 |
| 3 | South Africa | 34 | 3,547 | 104 |
| 4 | Pakistan | 34 | 3,505 | 103 |
| 5 | Australia | 35 | 3,568 | 102 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 41 | 3,896 | 95 |
| 7 | Afghanistan | 31 | 2,926 | 94 |
| 8 | England | 36 | 3,331 | 93 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 41 | 3,304 | 81 |
| 10 | West Indies | 37 | 2,924 | 79 |
Afghanistan's rise adds intrigue to the rankings
Afghanistan's rise to seventh place marks another significant step in their evolution as a formidable force in ODI cricket ahead of the 2027 World Cup. By leapfrogging England, they have matched their all-time best ranking and strengthened their position among the format's leading teams, with sixth-placed Sri Lanka just one rating point ahead.India, meanwhile, continue to set the benchmark at the top, holding a six-point lead over New Zealand. South Africa, Pakistan and Australia complete the top five.