ICC Champions Trophy 2017: What India need to do to become world no. 1

The ICC Champions Trophy 2017 is nearing its conclusion with the semifinals having begun earlier today. While the hosts England take on Pakistan in the first semi-final at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, India will take on Bangladesh in the second semifinal in Birmingham on June 15.

While India who will be keen on defending their title, they will also look to go on top of the ICC Rankings for the first time in more than two years. For doing so, they would have to win the Champions Trophy of course, but will also have to defeat England in the final.

Also Read: What will happen if the semi-finals get washed out without an outright winner?

Currently, South Africa sit on top of the rankings with 119 points with Australia in second place, just one point behind the Proteas. India and England occupy the third and fourth place with 117 and 114 points respectively.

On the other hand, Bangladesh and Pakistan who have surprised the world by qualifying for the semifinals of the tournament are at 6^th and 8^th place with 95 and 91 points respectively. If Pakistan manage to win the tournament, they could move up to 7^th place and displace Sri Lanka. However, if Bangladesh win, they would continue to remain 6^th.

On the other hand, if England go on to win the tournament, they could move from 4^th to 3^rd place as they would climb from 114 to 116 points. However, they would have to hope for India to lose to Bangladesh for that to happen. If England defeats India in the final, they would still remain at 4^th place in the rankings.

If India do manage to win the tournament, they would reach 119 points which is on par with South Africa at the top. If they defeat England, they would finish on top due to the fact that England are ranked 4^th. However, if they defeat Pakistan in the final, they would only move to 2^nd due to the fact that Pakistan are ranked so low on the table.

Here are the ICC ODI Rankings as of today:

Position	Team	Rating
1	South Africa	119
2	Australia	118
3	India	117
4	England	114
5	New Zealand	111
6	Bangladesh	95
7	Sri Lanka	93
8	Pakistan	91
9	West Indies	77
10	Afghanistan	54

Here are the scenarios for India:

If they defeat England in the final, they would move up to 119 points and become no. 1

If they defeat Pakistan, they would gain two points and reach 119 points but move up to no. 2 with South Africa remaining no. 1

Here is what the rankings would look like if India defeat England in the final

Position	Team	Rating
1	India	119
2	South Africa	119
3	Australia	118
4	England	115
5	New Zealand	111
6	Bangladesh	95
7	Sri Lanka	93
8	Pakistan	91
9	West Indies	77
10	Afghanistan	54

Here is how the table would look like if India defeat Pakistan in the final

Position	Team	Rating
1	South Africa	119
2	India	119
3	Australia	118
4	England	114
5	New Zealand	111
6	Bangladesh	95
7	Sri Lanka	93
8	Pakistan	92
9	West Indies	77
10	Afghanistan	54