ICC ODI Rankings: India move up to third as New Zealand suffer whitewash

India were earlier at fourth following their 3-2 victory against New Zealand

In the latest ICC ODI team rankings, India have moved up a place to third after New Zealand suffered a series whitewash on Australian soil. The Aussies continue to lead the table with South Africa hot on their heels at second spot.

Prior to the series, New Zealand had been on 112 rating points which was one more than the Indians. However, the 0-3 loss made them concede 3 rating points and hence they drop to fourth in the table. On the other hand, Australia have acquired two points from their series victory even as the Proteas are only four points behind them.

Interestingly, the Kiwis would have surged to the top spot had they inflicted a 3-0 whitewash on Australia. If they enforce a 3-0 clean sweep on Bangladesh in their next series at home, Kane Williamson’s side could reach the same rating points as India but will still find themselves behind on decimal points.

India are at 111 rating points and could eye further gains depending upon their performance in the upcoming series against England. At present, they are the only team to be within the top three positions in all the three formats.

The difference in rating points between the two sparring teams determines which way the rankings progress. But, the home and away factor is not taken into account. The ODI rankings are expected to get heated up in the coming months as only the top seven sides apart from hosts England (as of 30^th September 2017) receive automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup.

West Indies trail eighth-placed Pakistan by three rating points and will be keeping an eye on the latter’s upcoming series in Australia. Azhar Ali’s team need to win at least one match to retain their current points.

You can find out what changes can be expected depending on results from all upcoming series at ICC’s official rankings predictor.

                Latest ICC ODI Rankings (as of 10^th December, 2016)

Rank	Team	Matches	Points	Rating
1	Australia	54	6506	120
2	South Africa	52	6024	116
3	India	53	5891	111
4	New Zealand	49	5340	109
5	England	54	5804	107
6	Sri Lanka	60	6056	101
7	Bangladesh	30	2840	95
8	Pakistan	51	4555	89
9	West Indies	37	3168	86
10	Afghanistan	26	1341	52
11	Zimbabwe	50	2409	48
12	Ireland	20	834	42

(Note: The rankings have been updated at the end of the Australia-New Zealand series)