The race to be the top-ranked ODI side at the commencement of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup heats up in the coming days, as the Asia Cup concludes and India and Australia, two of the top three teams, participate in a bilateral series beginning September 22.
Despite their early elimination and India’s dominant victory against Sri Lanka in the final, Pakistan remained No. 1 at the conclusion of the Asia Cup 2023. With their series loss to South Africa, Australia, too, missed out on the top spot.
The Australians led the series 2-0 before the hosts staged an incredible comeback and won three straight games to win the series on Sunday. India’s prospects of reaching the top of the rankings were hampered by a loss to Bangladesh previous to the final, and even a record-breaking victory against Sri Lanka in just over six overs did not catapult them to the top.
Let’s take a look at the games that each team will play before the World Cup kicks off on October 5.