Srinagar: More misery was in store for Pakistan after their shock ouster from the Asia Cup 2023 as the have dropped two places in the latest ICC Team Rankings.
Australia hold a slender lead at the head of the ODI rankings, they could lose top spot as early as Friday should results go against them. If South Africa defeat Australia and India beat Bangladesh at the Asia Cup then Rohit Sharma’s side will be top of the ODI rankings and hold on to the premier spot in all three formats. Pakistan who entered Asia Cup as No.1 ranked side have dripped to third place after defeat against Sri Lanka.
Australia are in the box seat to be the No.1 ranked side at the start of the World Cup despite the fact they relinquished some ground to the chasing pack as a result of their heavy loss to South Africa in the third ODI of their ongoing series on Tuesday.
If Australia can prove victorious in the remaining two matches against the Proteas that would help the Aussies clinch a series victory, but conversely a pair of losses will provide the advantage to Pakistan and India for the No.1 ranking prior to the World Cup.
Australia’s three-match series in India at the end of this month will then have a major say at who has the top ranking at the start of the World Cup.
Meanwhile India play the most ODI matches of any of the top three challengers for the No.1 ranking and this could potentially help them overtake Australia and Pakistan if they can continue their recent winning form.
Rohit Sharma’s side are yet to taste defeat at this year’s Asia Cup and they could reach the No.1 position as early as Friday by defeating Bangladesh at the tournament and having South Africa defeat Australia at Centurion.
In a similar vein to Australia, India’s upcoming three-match series against Pat Cummins side may prove pivotal in deciding which team heads into the World Cup with the No.1 ranking.
Pakistan’s chances of obtaining the No.1 ranking at the start of the World Cup took a massive dent when they lost their final Super Four match at the Asia Cup to Sri Lanka.
With no official ODI matches scheduled for Pakistan prior to the start of the World Cup, their hopes of entering the tournament with the No.1 ranking looks forlorn.
They could still regain the top ranking if Australia and India continue to lose, but the fact these two teams are scheduled to play each other at the end of the month means one of them would then re-claim the premier position.
Courtesy : ICC