Australia surged to the top of the Reliance ICC One-Day International Team Rankings after completing a 3-0 series victory over Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
Sunday night’s dramatic one-run victory in Abu Dhabi and the cancellation of the third ODI between India and the West ensured top billing for George Bailey’s side as the race to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 heats up amongst some of the top-ranked sides.
The cancellation of Tuesday’s ODI between India and the West Indies in Visakhapatnam due to the natural disaster caused by cyclone 'Hudhud', means India cannot leapfrog Australia even if wins the remaining two matches in Dharamshala and Kolkata on October 17 and 20 respectively.
In that scenario, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s side will fall 0.02 ratings points short of Australia, which is now sitting on 114 ratings points.
It has taken Australia five ODIs to regain the number-one ranking after it dropped from the top pedestal in Harare on August 31 following a three-wicket defeat to Zimbabwe.
Australia won four of the last five ODIs with its only loss coming against South Africa in the triangular series final in Harare on September 6.
In the ICC Players Rankings for ODI Bowlers, Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson moved up two places to fifth following figures of three for 24 runs and three for 40 in the opening two ODI’s.
Pakistan’s Mohammad Irfan vaulted five places to 27 after claiming three wickets in the series, while Shahid Afridi climbed six places after a consistent display. The leg-spinner is level with Australia’s Xavier Doherty, who dropped two places, in 35th position.
In the Reliance ICC ODI Player Rankings, Australia’s hard-hitting opener David Warner rose three places to 40after scores of 43, 29 and 56.
Reliance ICC ODI Team Rankings with rating points (as on 13 October, at the end of Pakistan-Australia series in UAE)
1 Australia 114
2 South Africa 113
3 India 113
4 Sri Lanka 111
5 England 107
6 Pakistan 98
7 New Zealand 98
8 West Indies 96
9 Bangladesh 69
10 Zimbabwe 58
11 Afghanistan 42
12 Ireland 33
