India consolidate their No.1 spot in ICC ODI rankings after 5-0 whitewash over Sri Lanka
India have strengthened their hold on the No.1 spot in the Reliance ICC ODI Team Rankings after completing a 5-0 series whitewash against Sri Lanka at Ranchi yesterday. Prior to the start of the series, India were at No.3 in the rankings with 113 ratings points and have finished on 117 ratings points, putting them 2 points above second-placed South Africa, who are currently involved in a 5-match ODI series against Australia.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, despite losing 5-0 and 3 ratings points, continue to occupy the No.4 position. They will take on England in a 7-match home series next, perhaps giving them the opportunity of regaining lost ground.
While India have strengthened their hold at the top of the rankings for the time being, they could lose it imminently with the series between Australia and South Africa currently tied at 1-1 and 3 matches still to go. For that to happen, however, either of the 2 sides will have to win the remaining 3 matches of the series. If Australia do so, then they will edge ahead of India by 0.2 ratings points. South Africa, on the other hand, can move to 118 ratings points if they can win the series 4-1.
Reliance ICC ODI Rankings
| Rank | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 117 |
| 2 | South Africa | 115 |
| 3 | Australia | 114 |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | 108 |
| 5 | England | 107 |
| 6 | Pakistan | 98 |
| 7 | New Zealand | 96 |
| 8 | West Indies | 96 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 69 |
| 10 | Zimbabwe | 58 |
| 11 | Afghanistan | 42 |
| 12 | Ireland | 33 |