The convincing 221-run victory over Australia in the first Test in Dubai has helped Pakistan go past arch-rivals, India, into the fifth position in the latest ICC rankings for Test cricket.
“Pakistan’s victory in the Dubai Test has not only ensured that it will move ahead of India in fifth position irrespective of how the Abu Dhabi Test ends, it has dashed Australia hopes of regaining the number-one Test ranking,” the ICC said in a statement.
Australia’s hopes of gaining the number one Test rank back from South Africa were dashed after this loss. A 1-1 series result, the best that they can aspire now, will keep them in the second spot, three points adrift of South Africa.
Meanwhile, Pakistan have more incentive in winning the second and final Test, which starts in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. A victory will see them go up to third place, displacing both Sri Lanka and England.
By contrast, a 1-1 series result will see them remain at the 5th position, three points ahead of India.
