South Africa can replace India as the No.1 team in the ICC ODI Rankings if they manage to win the series against Bangladesh 3-0.
Following India’s 4-1 series victory against the Aussies, the Men in Blue leapfrogged South Africa to occupy the numero uno position and is currently a point ahead of the Proteas. But South Africa can go ahead on decimal points if they take a 2-0 lead and will reach 121 points if they inflict a 3-0 defeat.
However, the Proteas can only maintain their No.1 position if India doesn’t manage to win the opening ODI against New Zealand which will get played on 22nd October, the same day, as the last South Africa-Bangladesh match.
If India wins the match, they will be at 121 points, but higher on decimal points, but to maintain their position India must win the series 3-0 and anything less will see the Proteas regain their No.1 position provided they win against Bangladesh by a 3-0 margin.
So, both South Africa and India have all to play for, and we will have an interesting battle on our hands. Pakistan on the other hand, who won their 1st ever Champions Trophy title in June will be hoping to consolidate their position in the ODI Rankings who are currently on 95 points. They will gain four rating points if they manage to beat Sri Lanka by a 5-0 margin.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka have 86 points, and if the Islanders hopes of going past Pakistan. then they have to win the series 5-0. Though it will be a tough proposition especially after their 2-0 series victory in the Test series, Sri Lanka will be hopeful of turning it around.
Meanwhile, Champions Trophy winners Pakistan will be hoping to consolidate their sixth position on the table. They presently have 95 points, nine more than their opposition, and can go up to 99 points with a 5-0 win.
South Africa v Bangladesh series scenarios:
South Africa beats Bangladesh 3-0 – South Africa 121, Bangladesh 92
South Africa beats Bangladesh 2-1 – South Africa 119, Bangladesh 95
Bangladesh beats South Africa 2-1 – South Africa 117, Bangladesh 97
Bangladesh beats South Africa 3-0 – South Africa 115, Bangladesh 100
Pakistan v Sri Lanka series scenarios:
Pakistan beats Sri Lanka 5-0 – Pakistan 99 Sri Lanka 83
Pakistan beats Sri Lanka 4-1 – Pakistan 97, Sri Lanka 85
Pakistan beats Sri Lanka 3-2 – Pakistan 95, Sri Lanka 86
Sri Lanka beats Pakistan 3-2 – Pakistan 93, Sri Lanka 88
Sri Lanka beats Pakistan 4-1 – Pakistan 91, Sri Lanka 89
Sri Lanka beats Pakistan 5-0 – Sri Lanka 91, Pakistan 89