ISLAMABAD: India retained their top spot in the ODI rankings after beating Pakistan in a one-sided World Cup contest between the two teams a day earlier, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Sunday.
The highly anticipated Ahmedabad clash between Babar Azam’s Pakistan and Rohit Sharma’s India could have seen the green shirts leapfrog their way to the top of the MRF Men’s ODI rankings.
However, courtesy of a stellar half-century by Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive bowling, India marched to a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan on Saturday in front of over 100,000 cricket fans.
“Pakistan hold onto second place in the rankings despite their defeat, with in-form South Africa in third spot,” the ICC said in a report on its website.
Meanwhile, former five-time World Cup winners Australia have had a dismal start to the tournament, losing to India and South Africa in their two opening contests. They are placed at number four on the ODI rankings while New Zealand are placed at number five.
“India will look to show that world No.1 class when they take on Bangladesh in their next match on Thursday, while Pakistan will be looking to bounce back from Saturday’s loss with the hope to progress to another meeting against their neighbors later in the competition,” the ICC said.
Pakistan are scheduled to meet Australia for their next World Cup clash on Oct. 20 at Bengaluru.