Pak leaves behind India, NZ; jumps to third place in Test rankings

Dubai, July 7

Sixth-placed Pakistan jumped three places to the third spot in Test cricket rankings after triumphing over Sri Lanka 2-1 in a three-match series, while India’s draw against Bangladesh in last month’s test allowed it to retain its fifth position.  

Pakistan won the third Test against hosts Sri Lanka by seven wickets in Pallekele on Tuesday to clinch the series 2-1, which leapfrogged them to third place with 101 points, pushing New Zealand (99) to fourth, according to the International Cricket Council's (ICC) latest rankings released here on Tuesday.

Pakistan were No 6 with 97 points at the start of the series, behind fourth-placed England (97) and fifth-positioned India (97) on decimal points. The series win earned Pakistan four ratings points.

Tuesday’s match saw Pakistan led by Misbah-ul-Haq ride on Younis Khan's unbeaten 171 to script a seven-wicket win, chasing 378 at Pallekele.

Pakistan now trail second-ranked Australia by 10 points while South Africa (130) leads the brigade.

Sri Lanka, in contrast, slid four points down, slipping to 92 points, but retained their seventh position.

The Ashes begins on Wednesday and England will not only be aiming to reclaim the Urn but also improve its ranking. A 3-0 series victory or better can ensure the team jumps to No 2. PTI

The ICC rankings: (in order of rank, team, points)

1. South Africa 130

2. Australia 111

3. Pakistan 101

4. New Zealand 99

5. India 97

6. England 97

7. Sri Lanka 92

8. West Indies 81

9. Bangladesh 41

10. Zimbabwe 5