Pakistan and South Africa are neck and neck in tests, I agree, but Pakistan probably edge it out due to our history.
In ODIs, the Windies are behind due to being awful for the last 10-12 years. India also have an inferior W/L record but they have one extra World Cup so it is debatable.
Overall, like I said, Pakistan is only behind Australia.
Again, I would disagree. You are not far away from 2nd, but WI are still no.2.
I will start with ODIs first. It would be safe to assume that the ODI achievement should be rated in the following manner
1. World Cup
2. Champions Trophy
3. Other ODI series (Asia Cups, Sharjah, Benson Hedges etc)
4. Overall W/L record against the top ODI nations (excluding Bangladesh and Zimbabwe as these teams have been only good for less than 33% of their time as ODI teams). This overall record would take into account the billateral
Since the main question is which team is no.2 between India, Pakistan and West Indies, I will limit the discussion to these teams.
India and WI are clearly ahead of Pakistan in WC with an extra WC win.
India have 2 Champions trophies, WI 1, and Pakistan none. So, India first here, WI 2nd, and Pakistan 3rd.
In other ODI tournaments, India have 5 Asia cups, Pakistan have 2. (cant compare WI here). Pakistan has the upper hand in Sharjah. But both WI and Pak have been good in Aus. But India also won the B&H World Series in Aus, so India is not that far behind. Here Pak and WI are together at the top, with India just behind.
Finally, billaterals, which would be reflected in overall records - all 3 teams are pretty close. 2% differentiating the 3 teams in W/L record against the top ODI teams.
This means
1. Even though WI may have struggled in the last 10 years or so, they still have a W/L slightly better than India and Pak. So, they were so much better when they were the best, that it compensates for their poor form now. Mind you, in the last 15 years, despite being a poor team in the 15 years, they have still made it to 3 finals in CT, and won 1.
2. Even though Pakistan have a greater W/L record against India, their overall record against the top teams is very similar to India's. So, even though they have outpaced India, they have been outplayed by other teams that India has a better record against (its England actually)
http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/en...am=4;team=6;team=7;template=results;type=team
So given all the above facts, we can safely say that the ODI rankings are India at 2, WI at 3 and Pak at 4.
Will post about tests in a later post.