South Africa reclaims number-one ODI ranking after more than two years

[Abdullah719]

South Africa has returned to the top of the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Team Rankings after sweeping aside Sri Lanka 5-0 at Centurion on Friday.

South Africa had entered the series against Sri Lanka, trailing number-one ranked Australia by four points. However, Australia’s 0-2 defeat against New Zealand and South Africa’s own 5-0 win over Sri Lanka means the Proteas have now moved ahead of the world champions.

A delighted South Africa captain AB de Villiers said: “We are excited to be back at the top of the ICC ODI Team Rankings. We have had some trials since the World Cup two years ago but have worked hard to rebuild and to gain some form and consistency in this format.

“It’s an important year for us with the ICC Champions Trophy in June and regaining the No.1 position is a step in the right direction for our preparation ahead of the event. It’s a tight contest at the top so it’ll be important for us to continue putting in the performances so that we can hold onto the position.”

South Africa last sat on top of the tree in November 2014 before India moved to the number-one position after defeating Sri Lanka by 5-0. Later that month, Australia claimed the coveted top spot after defeating South Africa 4-1.

This is the fifth time South Africa has surged to the top since the current rankings system was introduced in 2002. It enjoyed top positions in February 2007, March-May 2008, January-August 2009 and October-November 2014.

Since the 1 May 2016 annual update of the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Team Rankings, South Africa has played 17 ODIs, winning 13, including 11 on the trot. Its three loses have been against the West Indies (two) and Australia (one), while one match ended in a no-result.

South Africa will now get a chance to create further daylight between it and Australia when it plays five ODIs against New Zealand from 19 February to 4 March. To retain the top spot, South Africa will have to win the series by 3-2 or better. If New Zealand wins by 3-2, then South Africa will slip behind Australia by a fraction of a point.

To find out complete schedule of upcoming international matches, please click here.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has dropped three points following its performance in South Africa. While it has stayed in sixth position on 98 points, its pre-series 10-point lead over Bangladesh has been reduced to seven points, with eighth-ranked Pakistan another two points behind.

England plus the seven highest-ranked sides on the MRF Tyres ICC ODI Team Rankings as on 30 September 2017 will qualify automatically for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. The remaining four sides from the ODI table along with six sides from the ICC World Cricket League will feature in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 to fight for the remaining two places in the pinnacle 50-over to be staged in the United Kingdom from 30 May to 15 July.

MRF Tyres ICC ODI Team Rankings (as on 10 February, after South Africa-Sri Lanka ODI series)

Rank Team Points

1. South Africa 119 (+3)
2. Australia 118
3. New Zealand 113
4. India 112
5. England 107
6. Sri Lanka 98 (-3)
7. Bangladesh 91
8. Pakistan 89
9. West Indies 87
10. Afghanistan 52
11. Zimbabwe 47
12. Ireland 42

 

[Chief Destroyer]

They deserve it. At full strength, they're the strongest team around though Australia's attack is slightly better.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

Is there a realistic chance for bangladesh to fall below us in points in the recent future? or the lankans as well. never seen them win anything ever but they continue to remain above us.

 

[Cricfan4eva]

Another ICC tournament around the corner, SA the most favs again.

Come on guys about time you back it up at the big stage as well. Honestly I wouldn't mind Ind losing to SA in K/O game if they go onto win. This set of players deserve it, they are just too good and everywhere, not just at home!

 

[Square Drive]

Good, very well deserved.

When does SL play next?

 

[Ab Fan]

SA should win atleast something now if not the world cups then may be champions trophy.

We have teams like WI, Eng, Pak and SL all winning WT20s or CT or World cups or all of them. Its time SA take the mantle now.

These tournaments are happening every year or two.So hopefully they win something this time.

 

[soso_killer]

They deserve it. At full strength, they're the strongest team around though Australia's attack is slightly better.

Australia's ODI bowling attack is not slightly better than SA's, it's far superior. SA doesn't currently have a settled opening duo, who gets to open with Rabada? That's in the air, Morris has put his hand up but we know how expensive he can be.

The one area I feel SA are slightly ahead of Australia is the batting. SA's batting is more versatile and not dependent on conditions. Then again pitches are flat all over which will neutralize any advantage SA had.
SA might have four bats averaging around 40, but the Aussies are mentally tougher despite their technical deficiencies they know how to score when it matters. However if there's a bit of life on those surfaces i feel Australia can be exploited, in spite of having a good attack their batsmen don't have the mental application to grind the innings through. They play one way, attacking cricket irrespective of the conditions.

So another tournament looming with SA in top form atop the ICC rankings, déjà vu?

 

[Statsman]

Another ICC tournament around the corner, SA the most favs again.

Come on guys about time you back it up at the big stage as well. Honestly I wouldn't mind Ind losing to SA in K/O game if they go onto win. This set of players deserve it, they are just too good and everywhere, not just at home!

Lol wut?

No one "deserves" to win a prestigious trophy even before it has started. You have to earn it.
Also SA's bowling isn't exceptional.

 

[soso_killer]

Australia's attitude has always been, "you're not number one until you beat us home" (Tests).
Similar here the number one ODI team must win something, no one took Belgium seriously when they topped the FIFA rankings. Germany was the peoples number one side and still are even though they didn't win the Euros.
Just like a Test side should pass the acid test and win in Australia, an ODI team can't be number one by winning friendlies either.

 

[Cricfan4eva]

Lol wut?

No one "deserves" to win a prestigious trophy even before it has started. You have to earn it.
Also SA's bowling isn't exceptional.

Well if SA are full strength I'd assume they will play Rabada, Philander/Morkel, Steyn, Tahir. Other than Aus, no other side comes close.

 

[spade]

The ranking system is a farce, first there isn't an equal volume of games and secondly the contest isn't symmetrical

rankings in my opinion
ODI's Tests

1. England 1. India
2. India 2. England
3. South Africa 3. South Africa
4. Australia 4. New Zealand
5. Nz 5. Australia
6. Pakistan 6. West Indies
7. Sri Lanka 7. Sri Lanka
8. West Indies 8. Pakistan
9. Bangladesh 9. Bangladesh

 

[Aman]

The ranking system is a farce, first there isn't an equal volume of games and secondly the contest isn't symmetrical

rankings in my opinion
ODI's Tests

1. England 1. India
2. India 2. England
3. South Africa 3. South Africa
4. Australia 4. New Zealand
5. Nz 5. Australia
6. Pakistan 6. West Indies
7. Sri Lanka 7. Sri Lanka
8. West Indies 8. Pakistan
9. Bangladesh 9. Bangladesh

England are definitely not better than Aus in ODI's and they certainly aren't the second best Test side in the world.

I don't know where the overrating of England comes from.

And ) at us being ahead of Aus in Tests...

 

[Ab Fan]

Well if SA are full strength I'd assume they will play Rabada, Philander/Morkel, Steyn, Tahir. Other than Aus, no other side comes close.

Steyn isn't the same in odis and is on last leg. Rabada isn't that great in odis with what I have seen of him. He is yet to deliver big in odis like in tests.

Morkel is an underrated Odi bowler but coming from injury hence a tough call to make of him.

Tahir is excellent.

Morris is the fifth bowling option which is okay.

England will eventually develop a strong bowling attack for home conditions. Aussies are already strong and India knows how to strike when matters.

Others aren't severe competitors. Kiwis will eventually lose it to semis or before unless they find Saffers in knockouts.

 

[soso_killer]

The ranking system is a farce, first there isn't an equal volume of games and secondly the contest isn't symmetrical

rankings in my opinion
ODI's Tests

1. England 1. India
2. India 2. England
3. South Africa 3. South Africa
4. Australia 4. New Zealand
5. Nz 5. Australia
6. Pakistan 6. West Indies
7. Sri Lanka 7. Sri Lanka
8. West Indies 8. Pakistan
9. Bangladesh 9. Bangladesh

didn't SA beat India in India? They did get the better of the English as well.
The one side that could claim to have the edge on SA is Australia, even they got trounced 5-0.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

didn't SA beat India in India? They did get the better of the English as well.
The one side that could claim to have the edge on SA is Australia, even they got trounced 5-0.

Australia played without Warner and Smith, Warner has monstrous record against SAF.

 

[spade]

didn't SA beat India in India? They did get the better of the English as well.
The one side that could claim to have the edge on SA is Australia, even they got trounced 5-0.

South africa are a very good team but the only issue is that their mainstays are on the higher end of the 30's except Qde and Rabada they need to find one good young spinner, Maharaj is a quality spinner he might be the answer but there is very little to choose between the top 3.

 

[spade]

England are definitely not better than Aus in ODI's and they certainly aren't the second best Test side in the world.

I don't know where the overrating of England comes from.

And ) at us being ahead of Aus in Tests...

England have a young team which has a lot of potential to grow as a unit that's why they are rated highly.
Same is the case why Nz are a better test team overall than Aus, young team with a lot of potential, aus are extremely average in Tests only Smith and Warner to talk about in batting only in conditions that are flat and Hazlewood, somewhat Starc in bowling that's it.

 

[soso_killer]

Australia played without Warner and Smith, Warner has monstrous record against SAF.

Australia played with Warner and Smith in all 5 matches, whilst SA didn't have AB who has a monstrous record against Australia

 

[soso_killer]

South africa are a very good team but the only issue is that their mainstays are on the higher end of the 30's except Qde and Rabada they need to find one good young spinner, Maharaj is a quality spinner he might be the answer but there is very little to choose between the top 3.

yes but until they retire they are currently a better side than India. Remember we aren't talking about the future here in any case all the 30 year olds will stick around until the next WC.

 

[soso_killer]

A lot can happen between now and the next WC.

SÀ discovered QdK a year before the 2015 WC and Rabada a couple of months before then (though it was deemed early to include him).

SA have a few players who could potentially blossom before then. Will have to wait and see.
Ngidi, Mulder, Duanne Olivier, Theunis de Bruyn or a young prodigy from the under 19's a la Rabada/QdK.
I'm not going to worry about the future just yet, 2/3 years is a long time in cricket.
Of course transition is never easy, it's the same for everyone. SA will lose a few games after the retirement of Amla, Faf and AB. Who wouldn't?
This is where/when a guy like Rilley will be missed as he and QdK will be seniors then.

 

[Saurav]

Australia's ODI bowling attack is not slightly better than SA's, it's far superior. SA doesn't currently have a settled opening duo, who gets to open with Rabada? That's in the air, Morris has put his hand up but we know how expensive he can be.

The one area I feel SA are slightly ahead of Australia is the batting. SA's batting is more versatile and not dependent on conditions. Then again pitches are flat all over which will neutralize any advantage SA had.
SA might have four bats averaging around 40, but the Aussies are mentally tougher despite their technical deficiencies they know how to score when it matters. However if there's a bit of life on those surfaces i feel Australia can be exploited, in spite of having a good attack their batsmen don't have the mental application to grind the innings through. They play one way, attacking cricket irrespective of the conditions.

So another tournament looming with SA in top form atop the ICC rankings, déjà vu?

Where has Morne Morkel disappeared?

 

[Zak_Fan]

Ranking alone doesn't make a side #1. Unless South Africa sustains this ranking for a long time, Australia will still be regarded a better team.

 

[Mamoon]

Means nothing, watch them choke in the Champions Trophy.

 

[Cricfan4eva]

Steyn isn't the same in odis and is on last leg. Rabada isn't that great in odis with what I have seen of him. He is yet to deliver big in odis like in tests.

Morkel is an underrated Odi bowler but coming from injury hence a tough call to make of him.

Tahir is excellent.

Morris is the fifth bowling option which is okay.

England will eventually develop a strong bowling attack for home conditions. Aussies are already strong and India knows how to strike when matters.

Others aren't severe competitors. Kiwis will eventually lose it to semis or before unless they find Saffers in knockouts.

How they are in 2019 is far away.

I forgot NZ. In English conditions an attack of Boult, Southee, Milne will be quite handful.

Steyn on his last legs is better than most pacers in the world atm. Rabada is not as great as he is in tests but he is again better than most. Morkel/Philander as 3rd pacer is a real bonus. Tahir is a genuine wicket-taker. So they are hands-down the world's best LOI attack going into CT barring any injuries. And this to go with their batting lineup, jeez. I mean they'd really have to mess up big time to let it slip by this time, especially considering the red-hot form they are in.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

NZ, ENG and CT next...

Here to hoping things click for a change. Then again, if we somehow win the CT everybody will just say "it's the CT, it doesn't matter".

 

[Mamoon]

NZ, ENG and CT next...

Here to hoping things click for a change. Then again, if we somehow win the CT everybody will just say "it's the CT, it doesn't matter".

You have won the CT already, in 1998, and it didn't help remove the C tag.

You need a World Cup, but winning the CT will give this group of players the belief that they can go all the way in 2 years time.

 

[Cricfan4eva]

You have won the CT already, in 1998, and it didn't help remove the C tag.

You need a World Cup, but winning the CT will give this group of players the belief that they can go all the way in 2 years time.

didn't it all start from 99 SF loss though?

 

[soso_killer]

Where has Morne Morkel disappeared?

injured, was dropped for Abbott prior. Should have been Steyn not Morkel.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

You have won the CT already, in 1998, and it didn't help remove the C tag.

You need a World Cup, but winning the CT will give this group of players the belief that they can go all the way in 2 years time.

I'm fully aware of the 1998 "KnockOut Trophy". Unfortunately, it didn't much help the 1999 WC team. They still choked.

Anyway, I'm just "predicting"(too easy) what the haters will use as an excuse should we win.

 

[Mamoon]

didn't it all start from 99 SF loss though?

Yes, they went from 'unlucky' to 'chokers', but had they won a World Cup prior to 99, the chokers tag would not have appeared. It's a bit like India's World Cup streak against us.

It became a big deal after the 2003 World Cup loss, and had we won even a single match prior to that, there would have been no streak even if we would have lost all subsequent matches.

 

[Cricfan4eva]

Yes, they went from 'unlucky' to 'chokers', but had they won a World Cup prior to 99, the chokers tag would not have appeared. It's a bit like India's World Cup streak against us.

It became a big deal after the 2003 World Cup loss, and had we won even a single match prior to that, there would have been no streak even if we would have lost all subsequent matches.

Well tbh they did just play the 96 one before that.

Anyway Choker tag as much as SA fans/players hate it, has some weight. Its unreal for team of their calibre to not win or even reach the finals of the last 5 ICC World events.

Clearly they lose their plot at big stage but like you said though CT win wont do a lot to change that image but it could go a long way in increasing SA's chances at 2019 by giving them the belief.

 

[Aman]

Don't let SA's history with choking at WC's distract you from the fact the Falcons blew a 25 point lead in the Superbowl.

 

[Bilal7]

They're the best ODI team going around, at the moment. Australia are too dependent on three key players (Warner, Smith & Starc), while the rest of their team is pretty average. South Africa have three key players too (AB, Amla & Tahir) but the rest of the team more than pulls its weight.

 

[Hasan123]

They're the best ODI team going around, at the moment. Australia are too dependent on three key players (Warner, Smith & Starc), while the rest of their team is pretty average. South Africa have three key players too (AB, Amla & Tahir) but the rest of the team more than pulls its weight.

Bit harsh on Australia, Zampa has done a good job when he has played. Wade has played some good knocks. Look at Starc and Hazelwoods record when they play together. To say there reliant on 3 players is unfair.

 

[Hasan123]

Well deserved tbh. There bowling is a little weak but there fielding will keep them in games and he,p bowlers put. There batting is powerful . Can they finally do it in an icc tournament is the key question. Honestly believe under Faf they could do something, under AB I'm worried there could be a choke.

Australia, South Africa, and England are easily the teams to beat at the icc champions trophy.

 

[soso_killer]

Well tbh they did just play the 96 one before that.

Anyway Choker tag as much as SA fans/players hate it, has some weight. Its unreal for team of their calibre to not win or even reach the finals of the last 5 ICC World events.

Clearly they lose their plot at big stage but like you said though CT win wont do a lot to change that image but it could go a long way in increasing SA's chances at 2019 by giving them the belief.

SA have choked, no getting away from that. Choked pretty good.
However they've only lost one semifinal in which they were comprehensively outplayed.
In 92 they were on course for a final only for rain to screw them over.
In 99 even though it's regarded a choke (and is a choke as they should have won it) they still didn't lose that game. It was a tie.
Comprehensively outplayed by an ATG side in 07.
In 2015 again they were disrupted by rain while on the ascendency.

The ICC has a bunch of complicated mathematical formulas and algorithms they need to get rid off. SA has been on the wrong side of them on too many occasions. Even in 2003, why was the D/L score projection not on the scoreboard screen? Players are not scientists. Nicky Boje had to run to the field with a bunch of spreadsheets, only to be chased away by the umpires. The only solution is to have a reserve day for all ICC matches, if that's logistically impossible then at least for the knockout games. It's criminal for a top team to lose 3 semifinals through a calculator. FIFA would never allow that in football.

SA hasn't helped themselves though either. The 2011 WC was a choke, dominated NZ for 75 overs in the quarters only to lose the game in 15 overs of madness.
But curiously had SA won the 92 & 99 WC would that defeat be labeled an upset or a choke?

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

CT is round the corner and SA have peaked again claiming the no 1 spot. Does this make them the favs going into the tourney?

Clean swept SL and AUS 5-0 @ home.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

The choke this year will be hilarious. ) especially since they are going in as number 1.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

SA have choked, no getting away from that. Choked pretty good.
However they've only lost one semifinal in which they were comprehensively outplayed.
In 92 they were on course for a final only for rain to screw them over.
In 99 even though it's regarded a choke (and is a choke as they should have won it) they still didn't lose that game. It was a tie.
Comprehensively outplayed by an ATG side in 07.
In 2015 again they were disrupted by rain while on the ascendency.

The ICC has a bunch of complicated mathematical formulas and algorithms they need to get rid off. SA has been on the wrong side of them on too many occasions. Even in 2003, why was the D/L score projection not on the scoreboard screen? Players are not scientists. Nicky Boje had to run to the field with a bunch of spreadsheets, only to be chased away by the umpires. The only solution is to have a reserve day for all ICC matches, if that's logistically impossible then at least for the knockout games. It's criminal for a top team to lose 3 semifinals through a calculator. FIFA would never allow that in football.

SA hasn't helped themselves though either. The 2011 WC was a choke, dominated NZ for 75 overs in the quarters only to lose the game in 15 overs of madness.
But curiously had SA won the 92 & 99 WC would that defeat be labeled an upset or a choke?

SA's performance in ICC tourneys (50 over WC, WT20's and CT's combined) is far from any mathematical error and why does always SA be on the receiving end when it rains? Either they are complacent or naive on such occasions.

Anyway ABD has set his sights on next 2 ICC tourneys for SA let's see what's in store in ENG!

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

SA have choked, no getting away from that. Choked pretty good.
However they've only lost one semifinal in which they were comprehensively outplayed.
In 92 they were on course for a final only for rain to screw them over.
In 99 even though it's regarded a choke (and is a choke as they should have won it) they still didn't lose that game. It was a tie.
Comprehensively outplayed by an ATG side in 07.
In 2015 again they were disrupted by rain while on the ascendency.

The ICC has a bunch of complicated mathematical formulas and algorithms they need to get rid off. SA has been on the wrong side of them on too many occasions. Even in 2003, why was the D/L score projection not on the scoreboard screen? Players are not scientists. Nicky Boje had to run to the field with a bunch of spreadsheets, only to be chased away by the umpires. The only solution is to have a reserve day for all ICC matches, if that's logistically impossible then at least for the knockout games. It's criminal for a top team to lose 3 semifinals through a calculator. FIFA would never allow that in football.

SA hasn't helped themselves though either. The 2011 WC was a choke, dominated NZ for 75 overs in the quarters only to lose the game in 15 overs of madness.
But curiously had SA won the 92 & 99 WC would that defeat be labeled an upset or a choke?

1992 - not your fault
1999 - your fault (choke)
2003 - not your fault
2007 - outplayed
2011 - super duper choke (being ahead for 75 overs and losing it in 15 overs is choke)
2015 - rain interrupted but while bowling and fielding, you guys were far too error prone so mini choke (don't forget the Pak game choke)

The issue is that SA players are amazing ODI players who forget how to bat or bowl or field when its time for them to make history.

Let's hope they don't do that in this year's CT 2017

 

[Cricfan4eva]

SA hasn't helped themselves though either. The 2011 WC was a choke, dominated NZ for 75 overs in the quarters only to lose the game in 15 overs of madness.
But curiously had SA won the 92 & 99 WC would that defeat be labeled an upset or a choke?

It would have been called a collapse of epic proportions but not a choke. Upset it was either way, NZ in 2011 was hardly a the LOI side it is now.

 

[soso_killer]

1992 - not your fault
1999 - your fault (choke)
2003 - not your fault
2007 - outplayed
2011 - super duper choke (being ahead for 75 overs and losing it in 15 overs is choke)
2015 - rain interrupted but while bowling and fielding, you guys were far too error prone so mini choke (don't forget the Pak game choke)

The issue is that SA players are amazing ODI players who forget how to bat or bowl or field when its time for them to make history.

Let's hope they don't do that in this year's CT 2017

Rain denied SA momentum in 2015, those extra 30-40 runs would have made up for the dropped catches and missed stumpings. It's that bit of luck that has eluded SA i guess.
That game shouldn't have been tight, rain ensured that it was, which is a pity.
Going forward we should have a reserve day and do away with mathematical formulas.
A 50 over game shouldn't be truncated just like a Test match isn't altered with.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Rain denied SA momentum in 2015, those extra 30-40 runs would have made up for the dropped catches and missed stumpings. It's that bit of luck that has eluded SA i guess.
That game shouldn't have been tight, rain ensured that it was, which is a pity.
Going forward we should have a reserve day and do away with mathematical formulas.
A 50 over game shouldn't be truncated just like a Test match isn't altered with.

I agree about 2015. I was referring to SA during bowling. But overall in 2015 SF, you guys were very unlucky.

 

[soso_killer]

SA's performance in ICC tourneys (50 over WC, WT20's and CT's combined) is far from any mathematical error and why does always SA be on the receiving end when it rains? Either they are complacent or naive on such occasions.

Anyway ABD has set his sights on next 2 ICC tourneys for SA let's see what's in store in ENG!

I can't give an answer as to why SA is at the receiving end. But curiously how many times since the inception (1975?) of the WC has rain interrupted a semifinal (excluding SA matches)?
Of the teams that have participated in the semifinals, how many have been involved in two or more rained semi's (again excluding SA)? Maybe rain isn't unique to SA matches.
SA were in dominant positions 92 and 2015 as well. It's not as if rain arrived within 5 overs without any side having momentum.
All these near moments have led to a lot of anxiety. They're too scared to fail. Someone should deliver them a speech.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that
most frightens us. "

....and all that psychobabble. Maybe that might help.

But let's make no mistake, rain isn't the only reason SA haven't won a WC, it's played its part, but they must take a good look at themselves.

 

[soso_killer]

The choke this year will be hilarious. ) especially since they are going in as number 1.

I think they went in the 2007 WC as the number 1 side after winning the 438 game and series. Then they ran into an Australian side that was in no mood to mess about when it came to the real business.
2015? Weren't they no.1? I'm not sure, I think they lost the #1 rank to Australia with a 4-1 drubbing prior to the 2015 WC not sure.