PAKvNZ: Pakistan beat New Zealand in fourth ODI by 102 runs

KARACHI – Pakistan maintained a 4-0 lead over New Zealand, beating the visitors in the fourth ODI match by 102 runs at the National Stadium in Karachi today.

Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and decided to bowl first against Pakistan.

Lead extended to 4️⃣-0️⃣

A clinical performance to help Pakistan earn an emphatic 1️⃣0️⃣2️⃣-run victory 💪#PAKvNZ | #CricketMubarak pic.twitter.com/JSO4oLjzX6

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) May 5, 2023

Pakistan eye to grab the first slot in the International Cricket Council's One Day International (ODI) rankings by beating Kiwisi in the today's match.

Pakistan were fifth on the ODI rankings before the series started with a rating of 106 but now have jumped to the third with a fantastic performance at home. Meanwhile, New Zealand, who were second, have slipped down to the fifth spot.

Currently, on the third spot with a rating of 112, Pakistan are only marginally behind Australia (113.286) and India (112.638). Should they win the fourth ODI today, they will go to the top with a rating of 113.483, with Australia dropping to No.2 and India to No.3.

However, to remain on top, Pakistan will have to ensure a clean sweep, winning the fifth and final ODI on Sunday, 7 May. A loss in the final ODI will see them slipping back to No.3 and Australia reclaiming their No.1 ranking.

Pakistan will also remain on top if they win the fourth ODI and the fifth match is abandoned or yields a no-result.

Pakistan are currently playing a five-match ODI series against New Zealand at home. Three matches of the series have been played so far and Pakistan are leading the series 3-0.

Pakistan and New Zealand are scheduled to play the fourth match of the series in Karachi on Sunday, May 7. Pakistan will move to the first position in the ICC rankings if they win the fourth ODI match of the ongoing series against New Zealand.