DUBAI: Pakistan’s left-handed opener Imam-ul-Haq jumped a spot to claim the third position in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s ODI Batting Rankings.

Imam-ul-Haq, who scored a fighting half-century in the first ODI of the three-match series against Afghanistan got the reward of his sensible knock as he received a promotion in the batting rankings.

The left-handed opener scored a gutsy 61 off 94 deliveries with the help of two boundaries.

For his anchoring performance, Imam improved seven rating points and moved 11 clear of the third-ranked batter Shubman Gill.

Meanwhile, it was a contrasting outcome for the other Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman, who slipped two spots to fifth in the latest ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings.

Notably, Fakhar could score a mere two runs in the aforementioned match and consequently dropped 15 rating points.

Fakhar’s demotion paved the way for his opening partner Imam-ul-Haq and India’s Gill to climb up.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam continued his hold on the supreme position but lost six rating points after falling for a three-ball duck in the first ODI against Afghanistan.

Pakistan’s star with the ball, Haris Rauf, who claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in the format, jumped seven places to 36th in the ODI Bowling Rankings while Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s 3/33 propelled him to earn the third rank.

It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan kicked off their preparations for the Asia Cup and ICC Men’s World Cup in India with a dominating 142-run victory over Afghanistan on Tuesday.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan could raise a modest 201 despite Imam-ul-Haq’s fighting half-century as Afghanistan spinners dominated the first half.

Besides Imam, Shadab Khan (39) and Iftikhar Ahmed (30) made notable contributions.

Set to chase 202, the Afghanistan batting lineup failed completely against a ruthless pace-packed Pakistan bowling attack.

Haris Rauf spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling charge as they booked Afghanistan for a paltry 59, steering their side to a statement victory.

For his bowling exploits, Haris Rauf was adjudged the Player of the Match.

READ: Nepal team reaches Karachi for Asia Cup