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Pakistan National Cricket Team Vs India National Cricket Team Standings remain two of the most closely followed teams in international cricket, with their standings often attracting significant attention from fans around the world. Comparing their positions provides useful insight into their recent performance across Test, ODI and T20I cricket. The ICC maintains separate team rankings for each format, based on results and rating calculations rather than simply points-table positions.
In 2026, India have continued to hold a strong position in the limited-overs rankings, while Pakistan have remained a competitive side across formats. Their respective standings can change after major series and tournaments, making an up-to-date comparison important for understanding the current balance between the two cricketing nations.
Latest Team Standings and Updated Rankings
The most useful way to compare Pakistan and India is through the three ICC men’s formats.
| Format | India | Pakistan | Higher-ranked team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 4th | 7th | India |
| ODI | 1st | 5th | India |
| T20I | 1st | 6th | India |
India’s ODI position was confirmed by the ICC’s annual 2026 update, when they retained first place with a rating of 118. Pakistan moved to fifth with a rating of 98.
India also retained No. 1 in the T20I rankings after winning the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
What this means: India currently have the stronger overall ranking position across the three formats, while Pakistan remain a top-five ODI side and a top-six T20I side.
Current Cricket Standings Table
Because international cricket does not use one combined India-Pakistan points table, the following table gives the current ICC positions relevant to this comparison.
| Team | Test Rank | ODI Rank | T20I Rank |
| India | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Pakistan | 7 | 5 | 6 |
The ICC’s official Pakistan team page lists Pakistan at seventh in Tests, fifth in ODIs and sixth in T20Is.
India’s ODI ranking was No. 1 after the latest annual update, while their T20I ranking also remained No. 1.
Team-Wise Points, Wins, Losses and Rankings
ICC team rankings should not be confused with tournament points tables. A tournament points table normally awards points for individual match results, whereas ICC rankings use a rating system based on results and the strength and weighting of matches.
For example, the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Group A table recorded India with four wins from four matches and eight points, while Pakistan finished with three wins and one loss for six points.
| Team | T20 World Cup Group A Matches | Wins | Losses | Points |
| India | 4 | 4 | 0 | 8 |
| Pakistan | 4 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
India’s victory over Pakistan was particularly important because India won the Colombo contest by 61 runs, strengthening their position in Group A.
Points Table, Net Run Rate and Win Percentage
In a tournament points table, the basic calculation is straightforward. A win normally earns two points, a tie or no-result generally earns one point, and a defeat earns zero points, although competition regulations can vary.
Net Run Rate becomes important when teams finish level on points.
Net Run Rate = Average runs scored per over − Average runs conceded per over
For example, a team that scores quickly and restricts its opponents can build a strong NRR. This can become decisive when two teams have the same number of points.
In the 2026 T20 World Cup Group A table, India finished the group stage with eight points and a very strong +2.500 NRR, while Pakistan had six points and a +0.976 NRR.
Qualification and Playoff Scenarios
Qualification scenarios depend entirely on the tournament format.
In a group-stage competition, the main factors are:
- Total points
- Number of wins
- Net Run Rate
- Remaining fixtures
- Results involving competing teams
- Tournament-specific qualification rules
The 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, for example, used groups followed by the Super Eight stage. The top two teams from each group progressed to the next stage.
India’s four wins in Group A gave them a comfortable qualification position, while Pakistan’s three wins were enough to put them through as well.
Top Teams in the Current Standings
India currently occupy the strongest position of the two teams in the ICC rankings.
Their biggest advantage is consistency across formats. India are No. 1 in ODIs and T20Is and remain inside the top four in Tests. Pakistan, meanwhile, are fifth in ODIs, sixth in T20Is and seventh in Tests.
India’s T20I position received an additional boost from their successful 2026 World Cup campaign, where they became the first team to retain the Men’s T20 World Cup title.
Bottom Teams and Their League Position
The phrase “bottom teams” applies more naturally to a tournament points table than to an India-Pakistan comparison.
In the 2026 T20 World Cup Group A, the teams below India and Pakistan included the USA and Netherlands. The final group table placed India first, Pakistan second, USA third and Netherlands fourth.
This illustrates why points, NRR and match results should always be considered together rather than looking only at ranking numbers.
How the Cricket Points Table Is Calculated
Tournament standings generally follow this process:
- Each team plays its scheduled matches.
- Wins provide the highest points reward.
- A no-result or tie can provide a smaller points reward depending on the competition.
- A defeat provides no points.
- Teams are ordered according to points.
- Net Run Rate or another official tiebreaker is used when teams are level.
- Qualification places are awarded according to the tournament rules.
ICC rankings work differently. They are rating-based rather than simply adding tournament points. The ICC also applies different weightings to matches depending on the ranking system and age of the results. For example, the 2026 ODI annual update applied full weight to matches played since May 2025 and half weight to older results within the ranking period.
Head-to-Head Record and Previous Meetings
India and Pakistan have one of international cricket’s most closely followed rivalries. Their meetings take place primarily in ICC and other multinational competitions because regular bilateral cricket between the sides has been limited.
Their latest major meeting came at the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup in Colombo. India scored 175/7 and bowled Pakistan out for 114, winning by 61 runs.
The result continued India’s strong recent record against Pakistan in major T20 competitions.
In the T20 World Cup specifically, India entered their 2026 meeting with a 7-1 record against Pakistan in the competition.
Updated Standings After the Latest Match
The India-Pakistan match at the 2026 T20 World Cup had a direct effect on the Group A table.
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points | NRR |
| India | 4 | 4 | 0 | 8 | +2.500 |
| Pakistan | 4 | 3 | 1 | 6 | +0.976 |
| USA | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | +0.787 |
| Netherlands | 4 | 1 | 3 | 2 | -1.217 |
India’s win over Pakistan was worth two points and also contributed to the difference in NRR between the teams. Pakistan recovered from that defeat by winning subsequent group matches and still advanced.
Major Changes in the Current Standings
The biggest recent ranking development was India’s continued dominance in limited-overs cricket.
In the May 2026 ODI update, India stayed first with 118 rating points. Pakistan dropped from fourth to fifth after South Africa moved ahead of them. Pakistan’s ODI rating fell from 102 to 98.
The T20I rankings also favoured India, who remained No. 1 after their successful T20 World Cup campaign.
For Pakistan, the current picture is mixed. They remain competitive in ODIs and T20Is but have a larger gap to India in the rankings.
What the Current Standings Mean for Both Teams
For India, the rankings demonstrate strong limited-overs consistency. Holding the No. 1 positions in both ODI and T20I cricket gives the team a significant advantage heading into future tournaments.
For Pakistan, the fifth-place ODI ranking shows that the team remains among the world’s leading one-day sides. However, the sixth-place T20I ranking means there is room to close the gap with the leading teams.
The difference is particularly noticeable when the two teams meet in major tournaments. India have repeatedly converted strong group-stage performances into qualification and knockout success.
Upcoming Matches and Their Impact on the Standings
Future fixtures can change both ICC rankings and tournament qualification positions.
India’s next significant international assignment includes a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in September 2026, with matches scheduled for September 13, 15 and 17 in Delhi.
Pakistan’s upcoming fixtures will similarly influence its ICC rating and position. A strong run against higher-ranked opposition can improve Pakistan’s rating, while losses can create opportunities for teams immediately below them.
For India, maintaining No. 1 status will require continued results against strong opponents. For Pakistan, the immediate objective is to reduce the ranking gap and move back toward the top four in ODI cricket and the top five in T20Is.
Standings Prediction and Possible Position Change
Based on the current rankings, India are better positioned to remain near the top of the limited-overs standings.
India: The most likely short-term scenario is continued residence near No. 1 in ODI and T20I cricket, provided the team maintains its winning percentage.
Pakistan: Pakistan have a realistic opportunity to climb in both limited-overs formats if they string together wins against higher-ranked opponents. Their ODI position is particularly important because they are already inside the top five.
The key factor: ICC rankings can move after a relatively small number of matches when teams are close in rating. Pakistan therefore do not need a complete turnaround to improve their position, but sustained results are required.
Most Runs in the Latest India vs Pakistan Match
India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in the 2026 T20 World Cup match in Colombo. India scored 175/7, while Pakistan were dismissed for 114. Ishan Kishan was India’s leading run-scorer with 77 runs from 40 balls.
| Player | Team | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ishan Kishan | India | 77 | 40 |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Pakistan | 23 | 19 |
Most Runs: Ishan Kishan was the standout batter, scoring 77 runs at a strike rate of 192.50. His innings played a major role in India’s total of 175/7.
Leading Wicket Takers in the Match
India’s bowlers dominated the Pakistan innings and dismissed the opposition for 114 in 18 overs. Hardik Pandya was India’s most successful bowler, taking 2 wickets for 16 runs.
| Bowler | Team | Wickets | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardik Pandya | India | 2 | 16 |
| Other Indian bowlers | India | Shared wickets |
Final Thoughts
The current Pakistan and India standings underline a clear difference in limited-overs consistency. India hold the No. 1 position in both ODI and T20I rankings, while Pakistan sit fifth in ODIs and sixth in T20Is. Pakistan remain a major international cricket team, but India currently have the stronger ranking profile.
The 2026 T20 World Cup provided another clear example. India finished Group A with four wins and eight points, while Pakistan collected six points from three wins.
Future bilateral and tournament matches will determine whether Pakistan can close the gap or India can extend their advantage.
FAQs
1. Who is ranked higher between India and Pakistan in ODI cricket?
India are currently ranked higher. India are No. 1 while Pakistan are No. 5 in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings.
2. Who is ranked higher in T20I cricket?
India are ranked No. 1 in the ICC Men’s T20I rankings, while Pakistan are ranked No. 6.
3. Who won the latest India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match?
India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in Colombo during the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. India made 175/7 before dismissing Pakistan for 114.
4. How are cricket tournament standings calculated?
Teams receive points according to match results. When teams finish level on points, Net Run Rate or another tournament-specific tiebreaker is generally used.
5. Can Pakistan overtake India in the ICC rankings?
Yes. Pakistan can improve its ranking through consistent wins, particularly against higher-ranked opposition. However, overtaking India would require Pakistan to gain rating points while India lose ground through weaker results.
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