For the first time since 2002, Australia have been upstaged at the top of the ICC ODI rankings following their five-wicket loss to the Black Caps.
MUMBAI: The World Cup is more than 20 days away but South Africa have a reason to celebrate. In the latest LG ICC ODI Championship table, Graeme Smith’s men have emerged the new numero uno, upstaging Australia. It is the first time since the listings began in October 2002 that Australia were brought down from the top position.
South Africa have gone up to the summit following Australia’s five-wicket loss to New Zealand in Auckland on Sunday. The defeat has cost Michael Hussey’s side two rating points. Even if Australia win the final ODI of the three-match series against the Black Caps in Hamilton on Tuesday, it will not be enough for them to regain the top spot.
Which means, South Africa go to the World Cup as the No 1 team. India, who have won back-to-back series against the West Indies and Sri Lanka, are in fifth place. The side that leads the table on April 1 stands to win $175,000, with $75,000 going to the second-placed team. The World Cup stars in the Caribbean on March 13.
South Africa’s surge is thanks to an outstanding run of form in the past 12 months. Since they failed to qualify for the finals of the tri-series against Australia and Sri Lanka last February, they have won 15 of their next 21 matches. That run includes a 3-2 series win over Australia after a world record chase of 438-9 at Johannesburg in the decider. They have also won seven of the last eight completed matches, including a 4-0 win over India.
Form like that has lifted South Africa’s rating by 10 points since the end of February 2006 while, during that same period, Australia’s rating has slipped by seven points, not helped by five losses in their last six matches including, Sunday’s reverse at Eden Park.
New Zealand’s victory, has lifted them to fourth behind Pakistan. If Stephen Fleming’s side complete a 3-0 clean sweep on Tuesday, then they will overtake Inzamam-ul-Haq’s side.
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