LAHORE: The 3-0 whitewash of West Indies by England in their three-match series has improved Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for 2019 World Cup.
The West Indians lost two rating points after the series loss, which means the gap between 8th-placed Pakistan and 9th-placed West Indies has now expanded to five rating points.
The Green-shirts are scheduled to tour West Indies next month.
The series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka can also have an impact on the rankings. Bangladesh are currently two points ahead of Pakistan at 7th. If Sri Lanka won the three-match series, Bangladesh would be pushed to 8th and Pakistan to 7th position.
Pakistan will play three ODIs in West Indies: on April 7, 9 and 11. A 2-1 win in the series would be enough for Pakistan to remain on track for World Cup qualification.
England and the seven highest-ranked sides on the ICC ODI Team Rankings on September 30, 2017, will qualify directly for the World Cup. The remaining four sides will progress from the 10-team ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018.