World champions India were back as the No.1 ranked ODI side following Zimbabwe's historic three-wicket win over Australia in a triangular series match in Harare Sunday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced here Monday.
India had joined Australia on top of the table after winning the third ODI in Nottingham, Aug 30, at 114 ratings points, but took sole possession at the coveted number-one spot after Zimbabwe recorded their first victory over Australia in 31 years.
This result meant Australia have dropped three ratings points and slipped behind South Africa and Sri lanka into fourth position on 111 ratings points. South Africa, following their victories over Australia and Zimbabwe, are sitting in second spot on 113 ratings points, while Sri lanka also have 111 ratings points but are ranked above Australia in third position by a fraction of a point.
With five ODIs to be played this week, there is potential for further change at the top of the table, depending how these matches pan out.
For India to finish as the No.1 side, they need to win the remaining two matches against England and then hope that Australia beat South Africa either Sep 2 or Sep 6 (if both the sides clash in the final). In this scenario, India will be on 115 ratings points, followed by South Africa, Australia and Sri lanka (depending on the outcome of the remaining matches in the triangular series).
South Africa, who also lead the ICC Test Team Championship, can move to the top of the table if they win the remaining two league matches as well as the potential final against Australia. If the South African team makes this happen and India also win their last two matches, then South Africa and India will be on 115 ratings points each but South Africa will be ranked above India when the ratings are calculated beyond the decimal point.
Australia may have slipped to fourth position but they too can finish the series in No.1 position if England beat India in one of the two matches and Australia defeat South Africa Sep 2 and then again in the final Sep 6. In this scenario, Australia will end up on 114 ratings points, followed by India in second position, and Sri lanka and South Africa in third and fourth spots, respectively.
Team rankings:
1. India 114 rating points
2. South Africa 113
3. Sri lanka 111
4. Australia 111
5. England 106
6. Pakistan 100
7. New Zealand 98
8. West Indies 96
9. Bangladesh 69
10. Zimbabwe 58
11. Afghanistan 42
12. Ireland 33
