INDIA: Team India’s attempt to secure the top spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings has been dashed despite their valiant efforts in the Asia Cup 2023. The race for the No. 1 position has proved to be a fierce battle, with rankings shifting dramatically in recent matches.
Before the pivotal clash with Bangladesh on September 15, India found themselves at the No. 2 position in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, just a stone’s throw away from the top-ranked Australia, who held a slim lead with 118 rating points. India, who had been dominating the Test and T20I rankings, saw this as a golden opportunity to complete their rankings sweep.
Two crucial conditions must be accomplished in order to secure the coveted No. 1 spot
- India had to triumph over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup Super Four match.
- South Africa needed to emerge victorious against the top-ranked Australia in the penultimate ODI of their five-match series.
While South Africa accomplished an impressive 164-run win over Australia, Indian hopes were dashed as they suffered a narrow defeat to Bangladesh by just six runs. This loss not only deprived India of the chance to lead the rankings across formats but also dropped them to the No. 3 spot, with a rating of 114, behind Pakistan and Australia.
Australia and Pakistan found themselves separated by a razor-thin rating margin, with Australia at No. 1 with a rating of 115.259 and Pakistan at No. 2 with a rating of 114.889.
Even with Australia’s final ODI against South Africa looming and the possibility of India becoming Asia Cup champions on Sunday, September 17, India will still not be able to claim the No. 1 ranking. Under these circumstances, Pakistan would be given the opportunity to overtake Australia and take the top slot.
The battle for ODI supremacy continues as India prepares to host Australia in a three-match ODI series starting on September 22. This series is expected to not only help both teams gain momentum for the upcoming World Cup but also determine who will hold the prestigious No. 1 ODI ranking heading into the tournament.
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