Pakistan’s hopes of automatic World Cup qualification toughened as they plummeted to their lowest-ever rating of 86 after losing the five-match ODI series 1-4 against England. Pakistan had started the series on 87 points and this is their lowest-ever points tally since the current rankings system was introduced in 2001. They will now aim to reclaim the ICC Champions Trophy title to add to its World Cup trophy, when it is staged next year in the United Kingdom. If Bangladesh wins all the three matches against Afghanistan, plus manages a series win against England, then it will achieve its highest-ever ranking of sixth. Meanwhile, England, which will attempt to win its maiden 50-over ICC title when it hosts next year’s ICC Champions Trophy, has sent out a warning to the other sides after its impressive series win against Pakistan.

Source: Hindustan Times September 05, 2016 06:45 UTC