Rohit Sharma, bowlers guide India to maiden series win in South Africa
India defeated South Africa by 73 runs in the fifth ODI on Tuesday (February 13) in Port Elizabeth for a 4-1 lead in the six-match series, consolidating their position at the top of the table. Even if South Africa win the sixth and final ODI on Friday (February 16) in Centurion, India will remain No.1 on 121 points, while South Africa will end on 119 points, the ICC said in a statement.
BREAKING: India will finish the #SAvIND ODI series as the number one side in the @MRFWorldwide ICC ODI Rankings after taking a 4-1 series lead with victory in Port Elizabeth!https://t.co/1oA76LNlyI pic.twitter.com/xNpiqW6kFC
— ICC (@ICC) February 13, 2018
Afghanistan, on the other hand, have moved ahead of Zimbabwe in 10th spot after winning the third ODI in Sharjah on Tuesday (February 13). To hold on to this place, Afghanistan will have to win the series, which culminates on February 19.
Afghanistan took a 2-1 series lead against Zimbabwe, and this time, the winning margin wasn't 154 runs!#AFGvZIM REPORT ➡️ https://t.co/jTsbvcDBoy pic.twitter.com/w5ERaXWTNU
— ICC (@ICC) February 13, 2018
India had entered the six-match series in second position on 119 points, two points behind leaders South Africa. After taking a 4-1 lead, India have moved to 122 points, while South Africa have dropped to 118 points. If India win the series 5-1, they will finish on 123 points, while South Africa will end on 117 points.
Tuesday's result has given additional context to the upcoming five-match ODI series between New Zealand and England. Irrespective of the outcome of Friday's (February 16) match between South Africa and India, if England win all the five matches against New Zealand, Eoin Morgan's side will claim second position, with South Africa slipping to third.
Asian teams ruling the ICC rankings:
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) February 13, 2018
Number 1 in Tests - India
Number 1 in ODIs - India
Number 1 in T20Is - Pakistan#Cricket
This is the first time since October 2017 and fifth overall that India have finished on top of the ODI rankings following the conclusion of a series since rising to No. 1 for the first time in January 2013.