Dubai: Pakistan has once again ascended to the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings. Following a 122-run defeat in the fifth one-day match against South Africa on Sunday, the Australian team slid from first place to third in the ODI rankings, while Pakistan reclaimed the number one position.
Despite clinching victory in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka, India’s aspiration to secure the first position in the ODI rankings prior to the World Cup remained unfulfilled.
After their setback against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup, the Pakistani team dropped from the first position to third, offering India a rare opportunity to seize the top spot. However, this required Australia to lose matches to South Africa, and India needed to triumph against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Australia indeed lost the fourth and fifth ODIs against South Africa, but India, despite winning against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final, suffered a defeat to Bangladesh in a Super Four match during the tournament, dashing India’s hopes.
Currently, both Pakistan and India hold a rating of 115 points in the ICC ODI rankings, with Pakistan maintaining a 10-point lead. Australia has moved to the third position with 113 points.
India and Australia are set to clash in a three-match series starting on September 22, where they will have an opportunity to reclaim the top position, while Pakistan will not participate in any ODIs before the World Cup.
The first match between India and Australia is scheduled for September 22 in Mohali, followed by the second match on September 24 in Indore and the third match on September 27 in Baroda.