In a significant shift in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings, Pakistan regains its world’s No. 1 one-day spot in the rankings of the international (ODI) team. This change comes as a result of Australia’s recent defeat against South Africa, which caused them to slip from the top spot.
With 3,102 points, Pakistan now holds the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings. The team, often referred to as the “Men in Green,” has participated in 27 matches, achieving a rating of 115.
India closely follows Pakistan in the rankings, also boasting a rating of 115 points. Despite winning the Asia Cup 2023 and accumulating more points (4,701) than Pakistan, India falls just short of the top spot due to having played 41 matches, 14 more than their Pakistani counterparts. It’s worth noting that Pakistan’s lead in the rankings is by a narrow margin.
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Australia, the former top-ranked team, now sits at No. 3 with 3,166 points and a rating of 113 following their recent loss to South Africa. The Australian team has participated in 28 matches.
The competition for the top spot continues, as India and Australia are set to face off in a three-match series starting on September 22. These matches provide both teams with an opportunity to reclaim the No. 1 position. The series will head a few days before the ODI World Cup.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s focus will shift to the World Cup, where they have secured a direct entry. Their World Cup campaign begins on October 6 with a match against the Netherlands in Hyderabad.
This shift in the rankings highlights the dynamic nature of international cricket, and cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate how these teams will perform in upcoming matches and the World Cup as they vie for supremacy in the ODI format. Pakistan performed poorly in Asia Cup 2023 and are yet to announce the squad for World Cup, few changes are expected in the squad.