Know the scenarios how India can become No.1 ODI team by edging out Pakistan and Australia

The race for the No.1 ODI spot has been intense with the top 3 teams, Australia, Pakistan, and India fighting for the top spot before the ODI World Cup. India needs to win their upcoming match against Bangladesh. Additionally, they must emerge victorious in the Asia Cup Final as well. Australia’s loss to South Africa in the third ODI of their series on Tuesday saw them equal points at the top place on the MRF Tyres ODI Team Rankings and both Pakistan and third-placed India have the chance to be the No.1 ranked side at the start of the World Cup.

For India to climb to the top, their arch-rivals Pakistan must suffer a defeat against Sri Lanka. This result would work in India's favour and help them narrow the gap between the two teams in the rankings. Another crucial factor in India's chances for the No.1 ranking is Australia's performance against South Africa.

Scenarios for India to become No.1 ODI side

The Australian team needs to lose their remaining two ODIs against South Africa. If that happens, it would significantly increase India's chances to overtake Australia in the rankings. Pakistan's chances of securing the No.1 spot before the start of the World Cup rests heavily on their final Super Four match against Sri Lanka at the Asia Cup.

Pakistan has no further ODI matches after the end of the Asia Cup to further strengthen their spot, apart from the warm-up fixtures for the World Cup against New Zealand and Australia that don't carry ODI status. This might go in favour of India who would like to take the opportunity to secure the No.1 ODI spot.

Australia needs to lose their last two matches. India will play a three-match ODI series before the World Cup. They could mathematically reach the No.1 position by winning the continental tournament. India won a low-scoring game against Sri Lanka, as Kuldeep Yadav picked up four wickets and became the fastest Indian spinner to reach 150 wickets.