India rise to number one in ODI rankings
India have cemented their number-one ranking in the ICC ODI team rankings after victory in Tuesday’s match in Port Elizabeth, which confirmed that they will finish the series on top of the table irrespective of how the final match in Centurion pans out.
India had entered the six-match series in second position on 119 points, two points behind leaders South Africa. After taking a 4-1 lead, India have moved to 122 points, while the Proteas have dropped to 118 points.
REPORT: Rohit’s ton takes India to historic series win
Even if the hosts wins on Friday, India will remain number one on 121 points, while South Africa will end on 119 points. In contrast, if India wins the series 5-1, then they will finish on 123 points, while South Africa will end on 117 points.
Tuesday’s result has given additional context to the upcoming five-match ODI series between New Zealand and England.
Irrespective of the outcome of Friday’s match between South Africa and India, if England wins all the five matches against New Zealand, then Eoin Morgan’s side will claim second position, with South Africa slipping to third.
India had started the series fully aware that they would have to win the series by 4-2 or better if they were to add No.1 ODI ranking to their No.1 Test ranking..
Virat Kohli’s side leapfrogged the Proteas into number-one position after taking a 2-0 lead, but required two more wins to ensure that they finished in this position at the end of the series.
India remained on course when they won the Cape Town ODI, but South Africa pulled one back in Johannesburg to keep alive their chances of drawing the series at three-all, which, in turn, would have helped it to finish the series in number-one position.
This is the first time since October 2017 and fifth time overall that India have finished on top of the ODI rankings following the conclusion of a series since rising to the top for the first time in January 2013.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan have moved ahead of Zimbabwe in 10th position after winning the third ODI in Sharjah on Tuesday. To finish in this position, Afghanistan will have to win the series, which culminates on 19 February.
ICC ODI Team Rankings (as on 13 February, after fifth ODI between South Africa-India and third ODI between Afghanistan-Zimbabwe)
Rank Team Points
- India 122
- South Africa 118
- England 116
- New Zealand 115
- Australia 112
- Pakistan 96
- Bangladesh 90
- Sri Lanka 84
- Windies 76
- Afghanistan 53
- Zimbabwe 52
- Ireland 44
Latest
-
NewsStonewall praises Steven Davies and warns ‘attitudes need to shift across sport’
The 34-year-old wicketkeeper announced he was gay 10 years ago.
-
NewsCharlotte Edwards backs women’s cricket to keep ‘growing and growing’
On Thursday Edwards became the first female president of the Professional Cricketers’ Association.
-
NewsHeather Knight ‘frustrated’ as England lose final ODI in New Zealand
Defeat ended a run of 10 straight wins across all formats for England
-
NewsJonathan Trott warns England not to get ‘too desperate’ against India spinners
The duo have taken a combined 42 wickets in the series so far.
-
NewsDarren Gough fears England could be on the end of another hiding by India
Gough knows all about two-day Test wins.
-
NewsChris Silverwood hopes England batsmen can learn from quickfire third-Test loss
Silverwood would not be drawn into criticising the pitch.
-
NewsEngland players clash online over Alex Hartley’s social media comments
Hartley advertised England Women’s one-day international with New Zealand by referencing the men’s third Test defeat inside two days to India.
-
NewsNat Sciver excels as England wrap up series win in New Zealand
Sciver claimed three for 26 and hit 63.
-
NewsJoe Root invites ICC to make own judgement on Ahmedabad pitch
England were beaten by 10 wickets to go 2-1 down in the series.
-
NewsIt was nice to bat on – Rohit Sharma defends pitch after India seal two-day win
The hosts thrashed England by 10 wickets in Ahmedabad.