ICC announces the latest ODI team rankings

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the latest One-Day International rankings after the conclusion of the five-match series between Sri Lanka and South Africa. The visitors were thumped by a massive margin of 178 runs and their frailties against spin were once again exposed. Though South Africa won the series, they have suffered a slump in their rankings courtesy of the two back-to-back defeats.

While chasing the total of 300 in Colombo, Akila Dananjaya spun the web around their batsmen under the lights and made life difficult for them. His spell turned the game completely as he went on to pick a six-wicket haul conceding just 29 runs in 9 overs. None of the visiting batsmen were understanding his tricks and they eventually succumbed to the pressure for a meagre total of 121 runs in the 25th over.

They had won the series by winning the first three matches itself but losses at the hands of a number 8 side forced them to lose three rating points. They are now fourth in the rankings with 110 points to their names and New Zealand have risen to the third position. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, gained three points but remained at their pre-series eighth place.

What about other teams?

England, after winning the ODI series against India, have only strengthened their top spot and are sitting pretty with 127 ratings. The Men in Blue are second currently and they are only 6 points behind the team which will host the World Cup next year. Pakistan have grabbed the fifth position and will be looking to improve on it in the upcoming Asia Cup as they are set to meet their arch-rivals at least twice in the tournament.

Australia have been suffering the most ever since the 2015 World Cup and have stooped to a new low. They are currently sixth with only 100 points to their name and are certainly going nowhere with their World Cup preparations.

Here are the latest team rankings:

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