ICC T20I rankings: India in danger of losing 2nd spot

South Africa, led by Faf du Plessis, will be keen to jump to second spot on the rankings

Four of the top eight sides on the Reliance ICC T20I Team Rankings Table will be seen in action in six matches in the upcoming fortnight, in the final tune-up ahead of ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014, scheduled to be held from 16 March to 6 April.

Third-ranked South Africa on 123 ratings points plays ICC World Twenty20 2010 runner-up Australia (110) in sixth place from 9 March at Port Elizabeth. Meanwhile, ICC World Twenty20 2012 champion fifth-placed West Indies (111) takes on England (105) in eighth position, winner of the 2010 edition, also from 9 March at Bridgetown, Barbados.

Sri Lanka is the number-one ranked side with 129 ratings points. Only eight ratings points separate the top four sides, with India (123 points), South Africa (123 points) and Pakistan (121 points) close on the heels of the number-one ranked side.

Hence, just before the ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014, a bit of movement is expected on the table.

With both series (South Africa v Australia and West Indies v England) being held simultaneously, results in either will affect sides’ movements.

Both Australia and England have an opportunity to make upward movements if they win all matches in their respective series. Australia can rise two places to fourth, whereas England can move up two places to sixth.

South Africa can rise a place to second if it wins all the matches against Australia, whereas West Indies and England will retain its pre-series positions if Darren Sammy’s side wins the series 3-0.

A loss for any of the four sides will see a number of changes in the table.

Reliance ICC T20I Team Rankings (as of 7 March before South Africa v Australia and West Indies v England series)