Pakistan captain Babar Azam reacted after his side became the number one ODI team in the world on Friday.
The Men in Green achieved the feat after taking a 4-0 lead in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand on home soil.
In order to cement their place at the top, Pakistan will have to win the series 5-0. A defeat in the last ODI on Sunday will see them drop to number three spot with Australia reclaiming their number one ranking.
“It is an honour for me that I’m the captain of number one ODI team in the world. I would like to congratulate the players and the entire nation for this achievement,” Azam said during a media talk.
“The players performed in different conditions and difficult situations which improved our confidence.
“I always tell the players that they are here because they are the best in the business.
“The team has chased down big totals while also defending small targets. We have a good team combination with the bowlers and batters contributing in team’s victories.”
Pakistan´s previous highest ODI ranking was third which they attained in January 2018 and again in June 2022.
Earlier, Azam scored a superb century to help Pakistan register a thumping 102-run victory in the fourth match against New Zealand in Karachi.
Azam stroked a 117-ball 107 and also became the fastest batter to reach 5,000 ODI runs, as his team made 334-6 in their 50 overs.
His 18th ODI hundred took him past the mark in his 97th innings in the format, beating former South Africa batter Hashim Amla´s previous record of 101 innings.
New Zealand were bowled out for 232 in 43.4 overs with skipper Tom Latham (60), Mark Chapman (46) and Daryl Mitchell (34) offering some resistance.
Leg-spinner Usama Mir led Pakistan´s bowling charge with a career-best 4-43 while pacers Mohammad Wasim (3-40) and Haris Rauf (2-37) also impressed.
- Babar Azam