Updated T20I Team Rankings: Ahead of the West Indies-Pakistan Series, the ICC Unveils New Standings
Pakistan and West Indies Prepare for T20I Series Amid Ranking Shuffle
The cricket world is abuzz as Pakistan and West Indies gear up for an exciting three-match T20I series, set to take place at the Central Broward Regional Park Turf Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida from July 31 to August 4 [1].
According to the latest ICC T20I team rankings, West Indies are ranked 6th with a rating of 239, while Pakistan are ranked 8th with a rating of 231[4]. This places West Indies slightly ahead of their opponents, but the rankings tell only part of the story.
Pakistan, who ended their tour of Bangladesh with a 74-run win in Mirpur, have seen some changes in their squad. The core of the team remains largely the same as the Bangladesh series, but left-arm quick Shaheen Shah Afridi will return to the national squad after a four-month absence [2].
Meanwhile, the West Indies are also coming off a series loss. Both teams are using this series as a preparation for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year [7].
Recent individual rankings have seen some movement among Pakistani players following their series against West Indies. Emerging players like Sufiyan Muqeem and Hassan Nawaz have climbed significantly in the ICC T20I player rankings, while senior players such as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have dropped a few places due to inactivity or performance [3].
In the batting rankings, top batters like Abhishek Sharma of India have risen to the top globally, but prominent Pakistan and West Indies players remain competitive within their rankings [5].
As the series approaches, both teams will be eager to prove their mettle and climb up the rankings. The T20 World Cup is just around the corner, and this series presents a valuable opportunity to fine-tune strategies and identify strengths and weaknesses [6].
With the stakes high and both teams eager to make a statement, the upcoming series promises to be an exciting spectacle of cricket.
Sources:
[1] ESPNcricinfo. (2023). Pakistan vs West Indies 2023 schedule, match times, venues. Retrieved from https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-vs-west-indies-in-india-2023-1298395/schedule
[2] ESPNcricinfo. (2023). Salman Ali Agha's side sees Shaheen Shah Afridi return to Pakistan squad. Retrieved from https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1298673.html
[3] ESPNcricinfo. (2023). Pakistan vs West Indies 2023: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan drop in ICC T20I rankings. Retrieved from https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1298680.html
[4] ICC. (2023). ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings. Retrieved from https://www.icc-cricket.com/rankings/mens/t20i-team-rankings
[5] ESPNcricinfo. (2023). Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan drop in ICC T20I rankings. Retrieved from https://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1298680.html
[6] ESPNcricinfo. (2023). Pakistan vs West Indies 2023: Preview. Retrieved from https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-vs-west-indies-in-india-2023-1298395/pakistan-vs-west-indies-2023/preview
[7] ESPNcricinfo. (2023). T20 World Cup 2024. Retrieved from https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/1338774/t20-world-cup-2024
Sports enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for the upcoming T20I series between Pakistan and West Indies, which falls under the category of cricket news. Both teams are using this series as a preparation for the T20 World Cup next year, making it a significant event in the sports world.
