Latest ICC ODI rankings: South Africa displace India for top spot

Image courtesy: ICC-cricket.com

The Proteas returned to top spot in the latest ICC One-Day International rankings released today following a mammoth win against Bangladesh in the second ODI. AB de Villiers stood out in that innings, contributing a staggering 176 runs and scoring his 25th ODI century in the process.

India previously held top spot after a successful ODI series against Australia, which they won by a decisive 4-1 margin.

Hosts South Africa have been steamrolling the Tigers, beating them conclusively in the two-Test series that preceded the One-day series. The Proteas have already won the three-ODI series at 2-0, and will look to finish that whitewash in the third and final match of that series, to be hosted in East London, in South Africa's Eastern Cape.

Quinton de Kock and former South Africa skipper Hashim Amla have both starred with the bat as well, with both picking up centuries in the course of the series. Bowler Kagiso Rabada has also starred for his team, backing up what has been quite the attacking batting side.

Bangladesh have also been struggling with the lack of some of their best players - their strongest batsman Tamim Iqbal is still struggling with a thigh muscle tear, as a result of which he missed the first ODI, and although he played the second, looks not to be back to full strength.

South Africa lead the rankings at 6,244 points off 52 matches, giving them a rating of 120, with India only a fraction behind with a near identical rating, with 5,993 points off 50 matches.

India will now host New Zealand for a 3-ODI series, to be followed by a Twenty20 series; the series against the Black Caps could give them the opportunity to overtake South Africa in the rankings yet again.