Australia retain top position in Men's ODI rankings

Australia have retained their top position in the ICC Men's ODI Rankings following the annual update from the 2019-20 season. The points reflect all matches completed since May 2020.

The Aussies are currently on 118 points, two points ahead of second-placed Pakistan and three more than India, who are in the third position with 115 points. 

"Pakistan, who had grabbed the number one position briefly on 5 May before losing the final ODI of their five-match home series to New Zealand and slipping back behind Australia, are on 116 points, one more than India."

"Pakistan would have remained at the top of the ODI rankings even after the annual update had they completed a 5-0 sweep in the series against New Zealand," stated the official media release from the ICC. 

Three teams separated by three points 😮

It's neck and neck at the top of the @MRFWorldwide ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings after the annual update 👀

— ICC (@ICC) May 11, 2023

"The matches dropping out of the rankings include the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019. England and New Zealand, who played an epic final at Lord’s four years ago, have both lost points in the annual update," the release further added. 

The finalists of the last edition of the World Cup, New Zealand are fourth with 104 points, followed by world champions England with 101 points. 

South Africa and Bangladesh are placed sixth and seventh in the points table, with Afghanistan on eighth position. The top eight sides have qualified directly for the ODI World Cup set to be held in India later this year. 

Former champions Sri Lanka and West Indies are ninth and 10th in the table and will have to play the World Cup Qualifiers to secure their place in the marquee event.