South Africa has returned to the top of the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Team Rankings after a whitewash against Sri Lanka by 5-0 at Centurion on Friday. South Africa entered the series against Sri Lanka, trailing number-one ranked Australia by four points. However, Australia’s 0-2 defeat against New Zealand and South Africa’s triumph over Sri Lanka means the Proteas have now moved ahead of the world champions.
Said South African ODI skipper AB de Villiers, “We are excited to be back at the top of the ICC ODI Team Rankings. We have had some trials since the World Cup two years ago but have worked hard to rebuild and to gain some form and consistency in this format. It’s an important year for us with the ICC Champions Trophy in June and regaining the No.1 position is a step in the right direction for our preparation ahead of the event. It’s a tight contest at the top so it’ll be important for us to continue putting in the performances so that we can hold onto the position.”
South Africa was last ranked Number 1 in November 2014 before India moved to the number-one position after defeating Sri Lanka by 5-0. Later that month, Australia claimed the top spot after defeating South Africa 4-1. This is the fifth time South Africa has emerged as the top team since the current rankings system was introduced in 2002. It enjoyed top positions in February 2007, March-May 2008, January-August 2009 and October-November 2014.
Since the May 1, 2016 the annual update of the ICC ODI Team Rankings, South Africa has played 17 ODIs, winning 13, including 11 on the trot. Its three loses have been against the West Indies (two) and Australia (one), while one match ended in a no-result. South Africa now faces the task of retaining its position when it plays five ODIs against New Zealand from February 19 to March 4. To retain the top spot, South Africa will have to win the series by 3-2 or more. If New Zealand wins by 3-2, then South Africa will follow Australia by a fraction of a point.
The current ODI Rankings:
- South Africa 119 (+3)
- Australia 118
- New Zealand 113
- India 112
- England 107
- Sri Lanka 98 (-3)
- Bangladesh 91
- Pakistan 89
- West Indies 87
- Afghanistan 52
- Zimbabwe 47
- Ireland 42