Test, ODI, and T20: Ahead of ODI World Cup 2023, the Indian cricket team has clinched the coveted number 1 spot in the ICC ODI rankings. The nation erupted in joy as the Indian team achieved this prestigious ranking following a thrilling victory over the formidable Australian cricket team, defeating them by five wickets in a heart-pounding match held in the iconic Mohali stadium.
This historic triumph has etched a new chapter in Indian cricket history. India has now stamped its authority as the dominant force in international cricket, securing the number 1 ranking in all three formats of the game – Test, ODI, and T20. This remarkable achievement marks the very first instance where India has concurrently held the top position across all three formats of the sport.
India’s ascension to the number 1 spot in ODI rankings had long been awaited by fans and cricket enthusiasts. Despite emerging victorious in the Asia Cup tournament, India had remained in the second spot in the ICC ODI rankings, while Pakistan had held the coveted number 1 position despite not making it to the finals.
No. 1 Test team ☑️
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 22, 2023
No. 1 ODI team ☑️
No. 1 T20I team ☑️#TeamIndia reigns supreme across all formats 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/rB5rUqK8iH
The battle for the top spot intensified as both India and Australia vied for supremacy. Australia’s hopes of securing the top rank were dashed during a series against South Africa. In a dramatic twist of fate, India emerged victorious in the first match of the three-game ODI series against Australia, which was held in Mohali. This victory propelled India to the pinnacle of the ICC ODI rankings with 116 ranking points, surpassing Pakistan, which had 115 points. Australia, with 111 points, secured the third position.
Australia’s prospects of regaining the number 1 ranking before the World Cup have dwindled, as even two consecutive wins in the remaining matches of this series will not be sufficient to unseat India from its newfound top spot. Conversely, if Australia does manage to secure victory in the next two matches, it will find itself on equal footing with Pakistan in terms of ranking points, but Pakistan will regain the prestigious number-1 crown of ICC ODI rankings.
The stakes are undeniably high as cricket aficionados eagerly await the outcome of the series. If India clinches the series with a score of 2-1, it will amass 116 points in the ODI rankings. A clean sweep of 3-0 in India’s favor would catapult them to a formidable 118 points, further solidifying their dominance in the world of One Day International cricket.
