Quest For ICC ODI Ranking No. 1: India’s Path To Surpass Australia And Pakistan

Summary: Currently, Australia and Pakistan share the leading position in the ICC ODI rankings with 118 points each, while India closely follows in second place with 116 points.

The race for the number one position in ODIs is intensifying as the ICC World Cup approaches, with three teams vying for the top spot before the cricketing extravaganza. Following Australia's recent loss to South Africa in the third ODI of their ongoing away series, India's prospects of regaining the top spot in ODIs have considerably improved, particularly after March 22, 2023. Presently, Australia and Pakistan share the pinnacle of the ICC ODI rankings with 118 points each, while India is in close second place with 116 points.

The outcome of Pakistan’s upcoming Super Four match against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup on Thursday will be crucial in determining their ability to maintain the top spot in ODIs ahead of the World Cup. Pakistan’s path to the Asia Cup final against India hinges on their victory against Sri Lanka in the Super Four encounter scheduled for Thursday.

If the men in blue secure a win in the Asia Cup final, it could diminish Pakistan’s chances of retaining the top spot. Except for some 50-over practice matches against New Zealand and Australia up to the World Cup, which won’t carry international status, Pakistan won’t be participating in any ODIs before the marquee event.

The upcoming ODI World Cup, set to be held in India later this year, is scheduled to commence on October 5. On the flip side, if Pakistan emerges victorious in the Asia Cup, they will maintain their unchallenged position as the Number 1 team in ODIs, while India’s ranking will decline in the lead-up to the World Cup.

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Although Australia suffered a lopsided defeat to South Africa in the third ODI on Tuesday, they are still contenders to secure the top-ranking position before the start of the World Cup.

Australia has the opportunity to regain the top position in the ODI rankings by winning their remaining two matches against South Africa. Conversely, should the Baggy Greens face defeats in their upcoming two fixtures against South Africa, they will slip from the shared top spot in ODIs to the third position in the rankings. The outcome of the three-match 50-over series between Australia and India scheduled for the end of this month will carry considerable weight in determining which team secures the leading position in ODIs as they head into the World Cup.

Among the three teams competing for the No.1 spot prior to the ODI World Cup, India is slated to play the most matches. In order for India to regain the No.1 ranking, they must clinch the Asia Cup title and rely on Australia’s loss in their remaining matches against South Africa.

The upcoming three-match series between India and Pat Cummins-led Australia could hold significant importance in declining the No. 1 ranking position as they approach the World Cup.