It is safe to say that the Asia Cup 2023 did not at all go to Pakistan's plans. They entered the tournament as the No.1-ranked ODI side and dare we say, also as the most balanced side. But on Thursday they bowed out of the tournament with more questions than any top team.
Babar Azam-led side started the tournament with big wins against Nepal and Bangladesh but were handed their heaviest defeat against India in Super 4 stage. In a must-win match against Sri Lanka on Thursday, they lost by two wickets (via DLS method) in a match that went down to the last ball.
What's worse? Pakistan lost two of their premier fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf. Both of them suffered injuries during the Super 4 match against India and if reports are to be believed they are in danger of missing the start of ICC World Cup 2023 beginning on October 5.
The problems don't end there for Pakistan. Their No. 1 ranking was anyway short-lived as Australia had dethroned them by winning the first two ODIs against South Africa but now Pakistan have lost their second spot too. The recent change in the ICC ODI rankings happened after Pakistan were beaten by Sri Lanka. They slipped to the third spot as India overtook them.
India currently have 116 points while Pakistan slipped to third with 115 rating points. Australia are sitting on the top with 118 rating points. There could be more changes to the ranking by this weekend.