SHARJAH – The landscape of international cricket shifted decisively this week as Afghanistan’s meteoric rise reached a new pinnacle. Following a clinical demolition of Zimbabwe in the tri-series final, the Afghan national team has officially leapfrogged England to claim the seventh position in the latest ICC Men’s ODI team rankings. This promotion returns the side to their all-time highest-ever ranking, a milestone they first achieved in May 2025, and signals a seismic shift in the global hierarchy as teams pivot their focus toward the 2027 World Cup.
In the latest update, Afghanistan sits at 94 rating points, narrowly edging out England, who have slipped to eighth place with 93 points. The gap is razor-thin, but the optics are undeniable: a surging Afghan side is now breathing down the neck of sixth-placed Sri Lanka, who remain just one point ahead at 95.
Dominance in the Desert: The Tri-Series Finale
The catalyst for this historic jump was a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Entering the match with momentum, the Afghan bowling attack suffocated the Zimbabwean order from the first ball, restricting them to a modest total of 169 runs in 43.3 overs.
The spin wizardry of Rashid Khan was, once again, the centerpiece of the defensive effort. Khan claimed 3/41, effectively breaking the back of the Zimbabwean resistance and ensuring the chase would be a manageable affair. He was ably supported by the veteran Mohammad Nabi, who returned figures of 2/25, alongside pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Bilal Sami, who each chipped in with two wickets apiece. For Zimbabwe, Sikandar Raza provided the only real point of contention for the Afghan bowlers, grinding out a gritty 68 off 83 balls, while Ryan Burl contributed a supportive 31. However, the lack of substantial partnerships left the target far too low to test the depth of the Afghan lineup.
The Chase: Methodical and Commanding
Chasing 170 for victory, Afghanistan displayed a level of maturity that has become a hallmark of their recent transformation. The batting unit remained disciplined, treating the target with respect while scoring at a comfortable clip. They ultimately crossed the finish line in just 34.3 overs, losing only three wickets in the process.
Ibrahim Zadran was the architect of the victory, anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 70 off 96 balls. His ability to rotate the strike and punish loose deliveries kept the required run rate under constant control. Rahmat Shah (43) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (36) provided the necessary impetus early on to neutralize any hopes Zimbabwe might have harbored of an upset. Zadran was rightfully named the Player of the Match for his composed performance, while Rashid Khan’s tournament-long tally of 11 wickets saw him walk away with the Player of the Series honors.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for Afghan Cricket
The significance of this ranking climb cannot be overstated. By consistently outperforming Tier-1 nations and establishing dominance in bilateral and tri-series formats, Afghanistan has transitioned from the “giant killers” of yesteryear into a genuine force to be reckoned with.
“This is a testament to the consistency of our senior players and the rapid development of our youngsters,” an official team source noted following the win. With the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, this seventh-place ranking provides the squad with crucial leverage in terms of momentum and confidence. While India remains the undisputed benchmark of the format—sitting comfortably at the top with 115 points—the middle of the table is tighter than ever.
As it stands, the current top 10 rankings are as follows:
- India (115 rating)
- New Zealand (109 rating)
- South Africa (104 rating)
- Pakistan (103 rating)
- Australia (102 rating)
- Sri Lanka (95 rating)
- Afghanistan (94 rating)
- England (93 rating)
- Bangladesh (81 rating)
- West Indies (79 rating)
The England Implication
The tumble to eighth place for England is a stark reminder of the volatility at the top of the game. Having struggled to maintain their usual intensity in the ODI format, the English side now finds itself in the uncomfortable position of trailing a team that was, until recently, viewed as an emerging prospect. As England looks to recalibrate, Afghanistan must focus on maintaining this form. With only a single point separating them from Sri Lanka, the road ahead offers a clear path to breaking into the top six—a feat that would further cement their status as one of the most improved cricketing nations in modern history.
For the fans in Kabul and around the world, the message is clear: the Afghan side is no longer just participating in elite cricket—they are setting the pace.
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