There has been a significant shift in the latest ODI rankings of the International Cricket Council (ICC). South Africa, with their stellar performance in the ongoing 3-match ODI series in England, have pushed Pakistan down one spot, and the England team also appears to be in a precarious situation.
Sports News: The South African team is currently in England playing an ODI series. The first match of this 3-match series commenced on September 2nd in Leeds, where South Africa began their campaign with an impressive 7-wicket victory. The second ODI match was played on September 4th at Lord's, which saw England suffer a narrow defeat by just 5 runs.
With this victory, South Africa clinched the series and achieved a remarkable feat. This 5-run win is considered their second closest victory against England, following their 1-run win in Cape Town in 2000.
South Africa's Superb Victory
South Africa displayed exceptional cricket in the ODI series against England. The 3-match series began on September 2nd in Leeds, where South Africa secured a commanding 7-wicket win. Subsequently, in the second ODI match played on September 4th at Lord's, England faced a heartbreaking defeat by a mere 5 runs. Thus, South Africa asserted dominance in the series and won an ODI series in England for the first time since 1998. It is noteworthy that this 5-run victory is their second narrowest win against England, with the closest being a 1-run victory in Cape Town in 2000. England's last bilateral ODI series win against South Africa was in 2017.
Pakistan's Ranking Slip
South Africa's consecutive wins in the series have also caused a major shake-up in the ICC ODI rankings. South Africa has climbed one spot to secure the 5th position, while Pakistan has dropped to the 6th position. Prior to the England tour, South Africa's rating was 98. After the first victory, this rating increased to 100. As soon as South Africa won the second ODI match, their rating reached 101. Consequently, Pakistan was forced to slide down one position, as their rating was also 100.
England has faced consecutive losses on home soil. England was also defeated by South Africa in the first match of the series. England currently remains in the 8th position in the ICC rankings. This is a cause for concern for England, as the losses at home have impacted the team's world-class standing.
Top Teams in ICC ODI Rankings
- India – Rating 124
- New Zealand – Second place
- Australia – Third place
- Sri Lanka – Fourth place
- South Africa – Rating 101
- Pakistan
- Afghanistan
- England
- West Indies
- Bangladesh – Bottom of the Top-10
The Indian team continues to be the No. 1 ODI team, while New Zealand, Australia, and Sri Lanka are in second, third, and fourth positions, respectively.
