Pakistan edge closer to Direct Qualification for World Cup 2019

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Eighth-ranked Pakistan has an advantage over ninth-ranked West Indies in their participation in ICC World T20 2019 after ICC’s annual ranking update released on May 1^st.

Pakistan is now just 3 points behind Bangladesh and might move to 7^th position if New Zealand manages to beat Bangladesh 2-0 in upcoming tri-series held in Ireland including Ireland. Pakistan is 9 points ahead of West Indies which is very beneficial towards Pakistan’s direct qualification to the ICC World Cup 2019. The top 8 ranked teams will automatically qualify for the World Cup, 4 teams ranked below 8 will have to play qualifiers round along with 6 teams from ICC World Cricket League.

Both Pakistan and West indies have lost points regarding ICC’s annual update. Pakistan slipped from 90 points to 88 points and West Indies slid from 83 points to 79. Pakistan’s lead over West Indies has now increased to 9 points from 7.

As the final cut-off date is scheduled to be September 30^th 2017, Bangladesh is scheduled to play a tri-series in Ireland, featuring New Zealand. The West Indies will host Afghanistan for a 3 match ODI series in June and will be travelling to England for 5 ODIs, right ahead of the tournament.

Pakistan’s only assignment before the cut-off is the ICC Champions Trophy, which starts June 1^st.

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Schedule

Pakistan vs India (Edgbaston), June 4^th

Pakistan vs South Africa (Edgbaston) June 7^th

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (Sophia Gardens) June 12^th