Afghanistan rises to sixth in ODI rankings, its highest spot

Afghanistan has moved above Sri Lanka into sixth place in the latest International Cricket Council men’s ODI rankings, claiming its highest position in the format. Both teams are listed on 94 rating points, but Afghanistan ranks ahead after decimal calculations, according to a report describing the ranking change. The rankings place Sri Lanka seventh after Afghanistan’s rise. The ICC’s published table gives Afghanistan 2,926 points from 31 matches and Sri Lanka 4,144 points from 44 matches. A separate report says Sri Lanka lost one rating point after the recent ODI tri-series, while Afghanistan’s wins over Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in the UAE tournament helped it pass Sri Lanka. The rankings release underscores Afghanistan’s progress in the 50-over format since its ODI debut in 2009. The team has won 96 of 191 matches, according to reports on its record. It also completed an unbeaten run in the tri-series involving Zimbabwe and Bangladesh and had previously swept an away ODI series against Ireland 4-0. Sri Lanka’s seventh-place position followed its defeat to Pakistan in the tri-series final, according to one report. Sri Lanka batter Kamindu Mendis scored 131 from 128...