Australia has retained their No. 1 position in the ICC Men’s ODI Rankings following the annual update, but they will face stiff competition in the coming months from Pakistan and India.
Following the annual update, Australia’s rating increased from 113 to 118, maintaining a narrow lead over Pakistan (116 points) and India (115 points).
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) release, “Prior to the annual rankings update, Australia were at the top with 113 points with India behind them on the decimal count. Pakistan were ranked third, with 112 points and briefly went to the top of the charts after their victory in the fourth ODI against New Zealand this month.”
Pakistan might have remained at the top of the rankings even after the annual update if they had won 5-0 against New Zealand. Pakistan, who briefly held the number one spot before losing the final ODI of their five-match home series to New Zealand and falling back behind Australia, has 116 points, one more than India.
Even after the annual update Pakistan would have remained at the top of the ODI rankings had they completed a 5-0 sweep in series against New Zealand.