It’s official: OZ no longer No. 1

For all those doubts that emerged after the recent tri-series, here comes the official conformation from the apex body. Australia are no longer the top one-day side in the world, and that top spot in the ICC ODI Championship table now lies with South Africa after their convincing 3-0 series victory over Bangladesh after registering a seven wicket win in the final match today .

India are all set to finish runners-up to Ricky Ponting’s team in the Test standings at the cut-off date of April 1 and earn USD 75,000 for this achievement. India is ranked fourth with 113 points in the ODI table. South Africa gained 0.720 points from their series victory over Bangladesh and although it stayed on 127 ratings points along with Australia, the fraction of a point was enough to put it ahead of Ponting’s men by 0.191 of a point. South Africa’s achievement is significant because the sides that lead the Test and ODI Championship ladders on April 1, receives USD 175,000 for its achievement, while the side placed second collects USD 75,000. Last year too, South Africa had snatched the title just before the April 1 cut-off date, relegating Australia to second position. In the Test championship table, India are sure of finishing second after England blew their chance of leapfrogging them by losing the first Test to New Zealand in Hamilton.

ICC ODI Championship:

1. South Africa (127), 2. Australia (127), 3. New Zealand (113), 4. India (113), 5. Pakistan (109), 6. Sri Lanka (107), 7. England (105), 8. West Indies (96), 9. Bangladesh (46), 10. Ireland (28), 11. Zimbabwe (18), 12. Kenya (0).