Afghanistan have overtaken Sri Lanka to climb to sixth in the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings, the highest position they have held since making their ODI debut in 2009. They were already ranked above established sides such as Bangladesh, England and West Indies.
Afghanistan have now won 96 of their 191 one-day internationals. Recent results include a 4-0 away series win over Ireland and an unbeaten run in the tri-series with Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.
The rankings rise comes after Afghanistan beat Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the third T20I in Sharjah on Sunday to complete a 3-0 sweep. Left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad took 5 for 13 in 3.3 overs, his first five-wicket haul and best figures in T20 internationals, including three wickets in four balls in the 11th over as Zimbabwe were bowled out for 79 in 14.3 overs.
Afghanistan chased the target of 80 in just 8.1 overs for the loss of three wickets, with Azmatullah Omarzai, named Player of the Series, finishing it with a six. It was Afghanistan's 22nd win in 24 T20Is against Zimbabwe. The two sides now meet in a two-match Test series.