Afghanistan leapfrog England in ICC ODI rankings, reclaim their all-time high position after a year

Afghanistan have ascended to seventh position in the latest ICC Men's ODI team rankings, overtaking England following their triumphant victory in the tri-series final. This surge places Afghanistan at their highest-ever ranking, previously attained in May 2025. The team boasts an impressive rating of 94 points, leading England by one point, who now find themselves in eighth place with 93 points.

In the pivotal tri-series final, held in Sharjah, Afghanistan demonstrated their prowess by defeating Zimbabwe by a margin of seven wickets. The chase, completed in a brisk 34.3 overs, ended at a commanding 170, thanks to a stellar performance by Ibrahim Zadran, who scored an unbeaten 70 off just 96 balls. Rahmat Shah and Rahmanullah Gurbaz also contributed significantly, scoring 43 and 36 respectively.

Zadran's outstanding batting was supported by Rashid Khan's outstanding bowling, who claimed 3 wickets for 41 runs. The victory was a testament to Afghanistan's bowling strength, with Rashid Khan picking up 3/41 and Mohammad Nabi picking up 2 wickets for 25 runs. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Bilal Sami added 2 wickets each. Ibrahim Zadran was recognized as Player of the Match, while Rashid Khan earned Player of the Series honors after taking 11 wickets during the tournament.

This climb to seventh position not only marks a significant milestone in Afghanistan's journey but also adds an intriguing twist to the rankings. Afghanistan's rise to this position highlights their growing stature as a formidable force in ODI cricket, especially as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup.