By winning the tri-series final against Australia and bagging another T20 trophy, Pakistan has yet again proved why they deserve to be ranked no. 1…
The world’s top-ranked side has done it again. Another T20 series, another win for Team Pakistan. The final of the tri-series was held between Pakistan and Australia on Sunday and Pakistan have shown why they are the no. 1 side. Despite Australia’s initial dominance in the game, Pakistan managed to clinch victory, registering their highest ever run chase in T20I.
In their pursuit of the target of 184, Pakistan had a wobbly start as they lost two wickets in the very first over. Thanks to Fakhar Zaman’s heroic 91-off-46, Pakistan emerged on top. It was the 9th consecutive T20 series win for Pakistan, who managed to retain the top spot in the ICC T20I rankings.
Fantastic Fakhar leads Pakistan in their record T20I chase to seal the #TriSeries title against Australia in Harare.#AUSvPAK REPORT ➡️ https://t.co/jNvWuyO3OI pic.twitter.com/DDHImVjTT7
— ICC (@ICC) July 8, 2018
In their first match against Australia earlier in the tri-series, Pakistan had faced an embarrassing nine-wicket loss. It had sprouted doubts regarding Pakistan really deserving to be the no. 1 side. There were talks about Pakistan gaining the top position by playing against and beating minnows only. But the way Pakistan has bounced back since that defeat is enough to silence them all. Before the tri-series even began, Pakistan were the favourites and they have proved themselves worthy of that title.
Top-ranked Pakistan maintain their unbeaten streak in T20Is 👏
Do you remember the teams they beat? https://t.co/HK2wproLUk pic.twitter.com/DAsPNIKIqP
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 9, 2018
A closer look at the last 26 T20I matches of Pakistan also reveals some clashes with strong sides. Pakistan has won 22 out of those 26 T20I matches – having beaten England, West Indies, World XI, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Australia, none of whom are minnows, along with the weaker teams like Scotland and Zimbabwe. Not to forget, England, New Zealand, and West Indies were defeated on their own turf. Defeating strong teams on their home grounds is not something an ordinary team can do.
Credit must be given to the Pakistan team for being extraordinary in this format for the last couple of years. A team that hardly gets a chance to play cricket on its home soil has managed to not only attain the no. 1 position but, retain it as well. We hope Pakistan can maintain its current form until the 2020 ICC World Twenty20 and bag the title for the second time.