Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq and head coach Waqar Younis have cleared their aim of claiming the top Test spot, as the team leaves for a Test and one-day series against Sri Lanka.
However, Pakistan has never been to rank 1, and currently stands at third spot.
Misbah said Pakistan could take the top spot if they won in Sri Lanka and against Australia in October, and they have a very good chance of doing so, News 24 reported.
Pakistan opens the tour with the first of two Tests in Galle starting from August 6. They also play three one-day matches.
Misbah added that playing Tests after a gap has its advantages and disadvantages, and the gap has helped them to work on their fitness and some tactical issues but the disadvantage is that the team needs time to return to the Test format.
Waqar agreed Pakistan's next two series are as important as next year's World Cup. Waqar said that the main target is the World Cup but they have very important series in Sri Lanka, report said.
Waqar said Pakistan can take inspiration from their last Test win over Sri Lanka in Sharjah when they chased 302 on the last day.