Oz grab top spot in ICC ODI Rankings India 3rd

Abu Dhabi: Australia has grabbed the top spot in the Reliance ICC One-Day International (ODI) team rankings following its 3-0 series victory over Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Meanwhile, India has slipped to third spot.  

Sunday night’s dramatic one-run victory and the cancellation of the third ODI between India and the West has ensured top billing for George Bailey’s side as the race to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 heats up amongst some of the top-ranked sides.

The cancellation of Tuesday’s ODI between India and the West Indies in Visakhapatnam due to cyclone Hudhud means India cannot leapfrog Australia even if wins the remaining two matches in Dharamshala and Kolkata on 17 and 20 October, respectively.

In that, scenario, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s side will fall 0.02 ratings points short of Australia, which is now sitting on 114 ratings points.

It has taken Australia five ODIs to regain the number-one ranking after it had dropped from the top spot following a three wickets defeat against Zimbabwe on August 31.

In the ICC players ranking for ODI bowlers, Pakistani bowler Saeed Ajmal has retained his top spot with 770 points. Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has moved up two places to fifth following figures of three for 24 runs and three for 40 in the opening two ODI’s.

Pakistan’s Mohammad Irfan has vaulted five places to 27th position after claiming three wickets in the series, while Shahid Afridi has also climbed six places after a consistent display and the leg-spinner is level with Australia’s Xavier Doherty – who drops two places – in 35th position.

Meanwhile, South African batsman A B de Villiers is at number one in ICC players rankings for ODI batsmen. Australia’s hard-hitting opener David Warner raised three places to 40th after scores of 43, 29 and 56.

Rank         Team                Rating     
1            Australia              114       
2            South Africa         113       
3            India                    113       
4            Sri Lanka              111       
5            England                107       
6            Pakistan                98         
7            New Zealand         98         
8            West Indies           96         
9            Bangladesh           69         
10          Zimbabwe             58         
11          Afghanistan          42         
12          Ireland                  33