In a resounding victory over Australia in the 2nd ODI at Indore, India has not only secured a series win but has also claimed the top spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings. This triumph couldn’t have come at a better time as it sets the stage for their homecoming at the ICC Men’s Cricket ODI World Cup 2023 with a wave of momentum.
Prior to the series against Australia, the Men in Blue had a clear objective – win at least two matches to ensure they would enter the marquee event as the No. 1 ranked team. They achieved this feat with a convincing win in the first ODI at Mohali and solidified their position with another commanding performance in Indore. With the No. 1 spot now secured in ODIs, India completes a rare trifecta, currently occupying the top spot in Tests and T20Is as well.
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ICC Men’s Top 5 ODI Ranking Ahead of ODI World Cup
1 | 43 | 5,025 | 117 | |
2 | 27 | 3,102 | 115 | |
3 | 30 | 3,297 | 110 | |
4 | 24 | 2,551 | 106 | |
5 | 29 | 3,057 | 105 |
India’s ascent to the summit of the rankings is marked by their impressive 117 rating points, a clear two-point lead over arch-rivals Pakistan, who sit in second place with 115 rating points. Meanwhile, Australia finds themselves in the third spot with 110 points. This remarkable achievement places India in an elite category as only South Africa had previously managed to secure the No. 1 ranking across all formats back in August 2012.
The journey to securing the top spot was an impressive one. In the second ODI, India’s batting prowess was on full display. Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer forged a formidable 200-run partnership for the second wicket, laying the foundation for a mammoth total. Contributions from skipper KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ishan Kishan pushed India to a commanding 399/5 in their 50 overs. Despite Cameron Green picking up two wickets for Australia, his expensive spell of 103 runs hurt the visitor’s cause.
Australia’s chase of 400 was off to a shaky start, with the team reeling at 9/2 before rain temporarily halted proceedings. Following the resumption, they were set a revised target of 317 runs in 33 overs. David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the ship briefly with an 80-run partnership, but wickets kept tumbling, and Australia found themselves at 140/8. A late surge led by Sean Abbott and Josh Hazlewood entertained the crowd but ultimately ended in vain as Australia was bowled out for 217 in 28.2 overs, suffering a 99-run defeat.
With this win, India has taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, with one match remaining. Shreyas Iyer’s brilliant century earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award.
As India prepares to host the ICC Men’s Cricket ODI World Cup 2023, their ascendancy to the No. 1 ranking in ODIs reinforces their status as one of the pre-tournament favourites. With a well-rounded team and momentum firmly on their side, they will be a formidable force to reckon with on home soil.