ISLAMABAD - Pakistan narrowly escaped losing the top slot of the World T20 Champions in latest ICC T20 International Rankings.
Australia needed to clean sweep South Africa in the ongoing three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series, in order to surpass Pakistan in the ICC T20I rankings and claim the number one spot.
Australia was ranked second with 269 ratings points before the start of the series, whereas Pakistan was sitting on top with 270 rating points.
However, the visitors dream of achieving the number one spot came crashing down as Australia blew what appeared to be a comfortable chase with South Africa claiming a 12-run victory in the second T20I on Sunday.
South Africa posted a below-par 158 for four in their 20 overs as Australia strangled their bright start, but were able to defend the total as the wicket slowed up and the touring side found scoring increasingly difficult.