Afghanistan Climbs to Sixth in ODI Rankings
Afghanistan surpassed Sri Lanka to reach their highest-ever position in the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Romance
Afghanistan climbed to sixth place in the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings, surpassing Sri Lanka to reach their highest-ever position. The rise follows a 3-0 T20I series sweep over Zimbabwe, completed with a seven-wicket win in Sharjah.
Why it matters
The ranking marks a milestone for a team that made its ODI debut in 2009 and has steadily built its international record. For international cricket fans, it signals Afghanistan's growing competitiveness across formats.
Afghanistan have won 96 of their 191 ODI matches, a 1.09 win-loss ratio, and now hold sixth place in the ICC rankings. The upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe is not yet reflected in these figures.
The players
Noor Ahmad
Afghan spinner whose bowling dismantled Zimbabwe's middle and lower order in the third T20I in Sharjah.
The details
Afghanistan completed a 3-0 clean sweep over Zimbabwe in the three-match T20I series, winning the third match in Sharjah by seven wickets. Spinner Noor Ahmad dismantled Zimbabwe's middle and lower order, bowling them out for 79 in under 15 overs.
Timeline
Afghanistan made their ODI debut in 2009.
In 2023, Afghanistan beat Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
In 2024, Afghanistan made a maiden T20 World Cup semi-final appearance.
On Sunday, Afghanistan won the third T20I in Sharjah to complete the 3-0 series sweep.
A two-match Test series against Zimbabwe is scheduled to follow.
Season Trajectory
Afghanistan's ascent builds on its 2023 World Cup victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka and its 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final, a sustained climb since its 2009 ODI debut. Its move past Sri Lanka into sixth place shows the team now competing with established Test-playing nations in the ODI standings.
Afghanistan's sixth-place ODI ranking may shift after the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe. Fans tracking the standings can watch how that series changes the team's position.
The takeaway
Afghanistan's climb reflects steady growth from its 2009 debut to a sixth-place ODI ranking. Tracking upcoming results is the best way to follow where the team goes next.
What happens next
A two-match Test series against Zimbabwe is scheduled to follow, which may affect Afghanistan's standing.
Further reading
For more on how sports rivalries and team milestones shape fan loyalty, explore our Romance coverage.
