Pakistan Regained Top Spot On ODI Team Rankings After South Africa Defeated Australia In 2023

Pakistan’s men’s cricket team regained the top spot in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings 2023 according to 17 September updates.

The reason for this is the Sunday series match between South Africa and Australia. South Africa’s resounding 122-run victory over Australia proved it in favor of the Pakistan cricket team. 

Australia, which is at the top of the ranking, has suddenly dropped down because of the humiliating defeat against South Africa, which happened in the fifth ODI of the five-match series. Therefore, Australia now moves to third place with 113 rating points.

As India achieved a stunning 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023, they still finished second.

With a difference of a few points, both India and Pakistan are almost equal in ODI ranking at 115 rating points. If the same is compared for Australia, it is in third place with 113 rating points. 

Ahead of the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, India and Australia will be locked in a three match ODI series, giving them a golden opportunity to claim the top spot. 

A bad point for Pakistan is that now that they can strengthen their foothold by participating in the direct ICC Men’s World Cup, they do not have the chance to join the ODI rankings summit again like India and Australia.

It is noteworthy that PCB has not yet announced the national team squad for the upcoming World Cup. 

Current ICC men’s ODI Team Rankings (as of September 17, 2023)

1. Pakistan
2. India
3. Australia
4. South Africa