Azam takes Pakistan to top ODI ranking in win over NZ
Babar Azam scored a superb century Friday to help lift Pakistan to the top of the one-day international rankings after a thumping 102-run victory in the fourth match against New Zealand in Karachi. Azam stroked a 117-ball 107 and also became the fastest batter to reach 5,000 ODI runs, as his team made 334-6 in their 50 overs. His 18th ODI hundred took him past the mark in his 97th innings in the format, beating former South Africa batter Hashim Amla's previous record of 101 innings. New Zealand were bowled out for 232 in 43.4 overs with skipper Tom Latham (60), Mark Chapman (46) and Daryl Mitchell (34) offering some resistance. Leg-spinner Usama Mir led Pakistan's bowling charge with a career-best 4-43 while pacers Mohammad Wasim (3-40) and Haris Rauf (2-37) also impressed. The win gave Pakistan a 4-0 lead in the five-match series and took them to number one for the first time since the International Cricket Council officially recognised the rankings in 2005. Pakistan's previous highest ODI ranking was third which they attained in January 2018 and again in June 2022. "I will say that the credit goes to the entire team and support staff for becoming the number-one ranked ODI team," said Azam. "We built the momentum and worked towards this goal. "I think my journey has been good. I joined the camp on this very day nine years ago, and there have been ups and downs, but the support has been amazing." (AFP)