Afghanistan reach career-best sixth place in ICC ODI rankings after overtaking Sri Lanka

Afghanistan Reach Historic Sixth Place in ICC ODI Team Rankings

Afghanistan have climbed to sixth in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, achieving their highest-ever position in the format and moving ahead of Sri Lanka. The milestone reflects the team’s steady rise since making its one-day international debut in 2009—and strengthens the case that Afghanistan are now a consistent threat to established cricketing nations.

In the latest ICC rankings update, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are both listed with 94 rating points, but Afghanistan occupy sixth place. The rankings underline how close the contest is: small changes in results can shift teams around the middle of the table, making every bilateral series and major tournament increasingly important.

Afghanistan’s position in the ODI rankings

India lead the standings with 115 points, followed by New Zealand on 109. South Africa sit third, Pakistan fourth and Australia fifth with 102 points. Afghanistan are sixth, just ahead of Sri Lanka, while England have slipped to eighth with 93 points. Bangladesh and the West Indies complete the top 10, with 81 and 79 points respectively.

Afghanistan’s rise above England, Bangladesh and the West Indies is especially notable given the country’s relatively short history at the highest level of international cricket. The team has developed a distinctive identity built around attacking batting, high-quality spin bowling and the ability to challenge opponents on neutral grounds as well as at home.

Their performances at the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup helped demonstrate that progress. Afghanistan recorded memorable wins over Pakistan and Sri Lanka, showing they could compete with experienced sides over a full 50-over contest. The team also reached the semi-finals of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, adding another landmark achievement in the shorter format.

Four-match Ireland series provides a major rankings boost

A dominant ODI series against Ireland has helped propel Afghanistan to their new ranking high. Afghanistan swept the series 4-0, combining substantial totals with effective bowling and several standout individual performances. The results offered more than a clean sweep: they provided a timely demonstration of the depth and adaptability that will be needed to remain among the world’s leading ODI teams.

Afghanistan won the second ODI in Bready by 92 runs and edged a closer contest in the third, securing a three-wicket victory in Belfast. In the fourth match, the batters posted 343 for nine before the bowlers restricted Ireland to seal a 42-run win. Afghanistan completed the series sweep by successfully chasing their target in the fifth ODI.

Atal, Zadran and Rahmat Shah lead the batting charge

Sediqullah Atal was Afghanistan’s leading run-scorer, finishing the series with 313 runs. His fourth-match century was a statement innings: he made 143 from 120 deliveries, striking 17 fours and four sixes. Atal followed it with another strong performance in the final ODI, scoring 98 from 112 balls and narrowly missing a second hundred.

Ibrahim Zadran also made a century in the fourth match, contributing 107 from 118 deliveries as Afghanistan built a formidable total. In the series finale, Rahmat Shah took control of the chase with an unbeaten 143 from 133 balls. His composed innings ensured Afghanistan finished the job without allowing the opportunity of a 4-0 result to slip away.

Rashid Khan was named Player of the Series despite appearing in only three matches, highlighting his continuing influence. His value extends beyond the wickets he takes: Rashid can change the tempo of an innings, apply pressure through the middle overs and give Afghanistan a reliable option in difficult situations.

Individual rankings underline Afghanistan’s growing strength

Afghanistan’s progress is not limited to the team table. Rashid Khan occupies the top spot among ODI bowlers, while Azmatullah Omarzai leads the all-rounders’ rankings. Having players at the summit of individual lists gives the side proven match-winners in different roles—and offers a strong platform for building a balanced XI.

The team’s overall ODI record also points to sustained improvement. Afghanistan have won 96 of their 191 matches, maintaining a win-loss ratio of 1.09. While rankings can fluctuate with each update, a record above parity suggests the rise is supported by results rather than a single exceptional run.

For supporters looking ahead, the prediction is that Afghanistan will remain a difficult opponent if their batting depth continues to develop alongside their already formidable spin attack. Their next challenge will be to convert a historic ranking position into consistent performances against top-ranked sides, particularly across longer tours and major tournaments.

T20I whitewash adds to Afghanistan’s momentum

Afghanistan have also carried their winning form into T20 international cricket, completing a 3-0 series whitewash against Zimbabwe. They sealed the clean sweep with a seven-wicket victory in the third and final match in Sharjah on Sunday.

Spinner Noor Ahmad was the standout performer in the series finale, tearing through Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order. Zimbabwe were dismissed for just 79 in fewer than 15 overs, leaving Afghanistan with a modest target. The hosts completed the chase comfortably, rounding off a decisive series result.

Success across both white-ball formats gives Afghanistan valuable confidence, but it also raises expectations. Maintaining standards after a major ranking breakthrough can be as challenging as reaching it. The team will need to keep producing runs from multiple positions in the order and ensure its bowlers can adapt when conditions do not favour spin.

Focus shifts to the two-Test series against Zimbabwe

Afghanistan’s schedule now turns to the longer format, with a two-Test series against Zimbabwe next. Test cricket presents a different examination of patience, technique and endurance, and the team will be keen to carry its recent confidence into the red-ball game.

The transition will test Afghanistan’s ability to sustain pressure over several days rather than rely on short bursts of momentum. Yet the recent white-ball results provide encouraging signs: a productive group of batters is in form, key players are delivering, and the squad has shown it can finish matches decisively.

Afghanistan’s sixth-place ODI ranking is a historic achievement and a marker of how far the team has come since 2009. With a 4-0 ODI series victory, a T20I clean sweep and leading performers across the individual rankings, Afghanistan have built genuine momentum. The next measure of their progress will be whether they can sustain that success across formats and establish themselves as regular contenders at the highest level.