Pakistan reclaim top spot in ODI rankings after South Africa crush Australia

Pakistan reclaim top rank in ODIs after South Africa crush Australia

Pakistan men’s cricket team on Sunday, reclaimed the top spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Rankings, following South Africa’s 122-run victory over Australia in the series decider.

Australia, who were at the rankings summit, succumbed to a crushing defeat against South Africa in the fifth ODI of the five-match series, which resulted in them slipping to the third spot with 113 rating points.

India, on the other hand, remained at the second despite their resounding 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023.

India and Pakistan are both tied at 115 rating points in the ODI rankings but the Babar Azam-led side has a slight edge in decimal points. Whereas, Australia has 113 rating points, standing at the third.

Notably, India and Australia will have an opportunity to seize the top spot as the two sides will engage in a three-match ODI series ahead of the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.

The three-match ODI series will commence on September 22 in Mohali, followed by the second ODI on September 24 in Indore while the third ODI will be played at Baroda on September 27.

Pakistan, however, do not have further opportunity to solidify their behold on the ODI ranking summit and will now directly feature in the ICC Men’s World Cup.

The green shirts will start their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on October 6 in Hyderabad.

It is worth mentioning that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is yet to announce the national team’s squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023

October 6 – vs Netherlands in Hyderabad

October 10 – vs Sri Lanka in Hyderabad

October 14 – vs India in Ahmedabad

October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru

October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai

October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai

October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata

November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)

November 11 – vs England in Kolkata