ICC ODI rankings: India, Pakistan or Australia? Who will finish as No.1 ranked team before the World Cup?

The Australia cricket team again reached the number one position in the ICC ODI rankings by defeating South Africa by 123 runs in the second ODI. The ratings will fluctuate a lot in the coming months given the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023.

Also Read: ICC World Cup 2023: Full squad of every team

Meanwhile, Australia has 121 rating points. It has ousted Pakistan and secured the number one position in the ICC ODI rankings. Pakistan is in second position with 118 rating points while India is in third with 115 rating points. For Pakistan to attain the top position, they will have to win the Asia Cup 2023.

The two sides are evenly matched at the top, with India closely following them. With a number of ODI contests coming up, the equations and rankings might change even further. Who will finish as No.1 ranked team before the World Cup? Let's have a look at the fixtures each side will play ahead of the start of the World Cup on October 5.

ICC ODI rankings (Men):

How are the ICC ODI Rankings Calculated?

Every time two teams engage in another match, the rankings table undergoes updates according to the ratings of the teams immediately before the match. To calculate the new ratings after a specific match, first, ascertain the points earned from the match.

Australia:

Australia created history in the second ODI in Bloemfontein by completing 100 runs in just 10 overs. They became the first team to score 100 runs in 10 overs in an ODI match on South African soil. Australia scored 102 runs without any loss in 10 overs. They already hold a three-point advantage over their closest rivals and three upcoming fixtures against South Africa will push them even closer to this.

Australia's three-match series in India at the end of this month will then have a major say at who has the top ranking at the start of the World Cup.

Also Read: "Not In My Control," Australia Batter Marnus Labuschagne On ODI World Cup 2023 selection

Pakistan:

Being down in the ICC ODI rankings will also affect the morale of the Pakistan team. Pakistan's chances of obtaining the No.1 ranking at the start of the World Cup rests heavily on their final Super Four match against Sri Lanka at the Asia Cup. Babar Azam's charges will likely need to win that clash - and have other results go their way - to earn a place in the Asia Cup decider and another victory in that match may be enough to catapult Pakistan into the premier position prior to the World Cup.

Unfortunately, Pakistan have no further ODI matches between the end of the Asia Cup and the start of the World Cup to further strengthen their claim, apart from the warm-up fixtures for the World Cup against New Zealand and Australia that don't carry ODI status. This may work in their favour though, if they can win the Asia Cup and have Australia and India drop valuable rating points in the meantime.

India:

India play the most ODI matches of any of the top three challengers for the No.1 ranking and this could potentially help them overtake Australia and Pakistan if they can continue their recent winning form. Rohit Sharma's side are yet to taste defeat at this year's Asia Cup and they could mathematically reach the No.1 position by winning the tournament should Australia and Pakistan lose their upcoming fixtures. In a similar vein to Australia, India's upcoming three-match series against Pat Cummins side may prove pivotal in deciding which team heads into the World Cup with the No.1 ranking.

Wherever the ranking is of little importance to ICC ODI World Cup 2023 at now, will start in less than a month. The major Tournament is taking place in India. will begin on 5 October and have a final date on 19 November.