DUBAI: Pakistan’s hopes of automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup dipped as their rating plunged to an all-time low of 86 following the 1-4 ODI series loss in England.
Pakistan are now eight points behind eighth-ranked West Indies. Hosts England and seven best-ranked sides as on September 30, 2017 will get direct entries while the remaining two sides will progress from the 10-team qualifying event to be played in 2018.
Pakistan run into West Indies and Australia next, which makes things tough as they look to keep alive chances of securing an automatic qualifying berth for the World Cup. Australia are atop the rankings with New Zealand, India, South Africa, England, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh behind them. West Indies are eighth.
MORGAN UPBEAT
England limited-overs skipper Eoin Morgan is excited by his team’s progress as seen in the 4-1 ODI series victory over Pakistan, although the hosts failed to complete a 5-0 whitewash.
England, who made an embarrassing first-round exit at the 2015 World Cup Down Under and are yet to win the ODI or T20 World titles, will stage the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2019 World Cup.
{{/usCountry}}England, who made an embarrassing first-round exit at the 2015 World Cup Down Under and are yet to win the ODI or T20 World titles, will stage the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2019 World Cup.
{{/usCountry}}“We’ve been outstanding,” said Morgan. “Every game throughout the series, we’ve come out with a hunger and determination to perform at our best.”