South Africa topple India to regain the top spot in ODIs

South Africa have regained their numero uno position in the ICC One-Day International rankings after defeating Bangladesh in the second ODI on Wednesday. Virat Kohli led India had displaced them recently by winning the recently concluded 5-match series against Australia. However, things could well change in the upcoming days as the Men in Blue are set to play the ODI series comprising of three matches against New Zealand.

South Africa led by Faf Du Plessis are currently involved in the ODI leg of the tour against Bangladesh at home. They are rolling over the visiting side quite comfortably as the Test series wasn’t even close to competitive. So far the 50-over matches have also been going in the same way as Proteas seem to be far more superior in their home conditions. The injuries to key players have not helped Bangladesh either. However, to keep their top spot secure South Africa need to clean sweep the Tigers by beating them in the final ODI on Sunday in East London.

Can India retain the top spot?

South Africa is currently at 120 points similar to India but are only decimals ahead and have toppled India by winning the first two One-Day Internationals against Bangladesh. But India could soon trump them as the series against the Black Caps is all set to begin on Sunday. New Zealand are currently placed at fifth position with 111 points and also have a chance to jump over Australia and England if they manage to defeat India in their own den.

Both the teams who will lock horns in the longest format in the prestigious Ashes next month have secured 3rd (Australia) and 4th (England) position with 114 points to their name. Pakistan is also likely to gain points as they have already won the five-match series against the struggling Sri Lanka. Men in Green extended their unbeaten streak on Wednesday as their opponents lost their tenth consecutive game in the format. The top eight teams have already qualified for the World Cup in 2019 and the remaining teams will battle it out in the qualifiers to claim the remaining two positions of the marquee event.

Here’s how the teams stand: