Win in South Africa Could Push India to Top Spot

Dubai: With the World Cup just around the corner, India will have their eyes on the rankings as a win in the five-match series against South Africa could help Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men go into the quadrennial extravaganza as the number one ODI team.

Currently ranked second in the ICC ODI rankings, India are expected to face stiff competition for the top spot from top ranked Australia, world number four South Africa and fifth ranked England, and according to the ICC website, any of these four teams could start the cricket's flagship event as the number one team.

Even as India lock horns with South Africa from Wednesday, Australia will resume their rivalry with traditional rivals England in a seven-match ODI series starting on Sunday.

Third ranked Sri Lanka, too, could also get to the top spot although pre-event fixtures have not yet been confirmed.

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Australia vs India - 3rd Test West Indies vs Bangladesh - 2nd T20I 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh - December 19, 00:00 GMT 2nd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan - December 19, 07:30 GMT 1st ODI - South Africa v Pakistan at Paarl Pakistan won by 3 wickets (with 3 balls remaining) 1st ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan at Harare No results

Kohli, Yusuf Shine With Bat in ODI Series [+]

Kohli and Pathan turned out to be the star for India in the batting department in the five-match ODI series against South Africa which they lost 2-3.

Series a Lesson for Batsmen Before WC - Dhoni [+]

After losing the closely-fought ODI series 2-3 to South Africa, Indian captain MS Dhoni said it was a "disappointing" performance by the batsmen.

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India, South Africa Eyes Finished With Win Before WC [+]

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South Africa Level Series Despite Kohli Fireworks [+]

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South Africa Opt to Bat Against India at St George's Park [+]

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India Look to First Series Victory in South Africa [+]

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Graeme Smith Hails Explosive Pathan [+]

Graeme Smith on Tuesday said that Yusuf Pathan's breezy innings ruined the day for his side in the third cricket one-dayer against India.

Pathan Powers India to Thriller Win, Lead 2-1 [+]

A burst of powerful hitting by Yusuf Pathan spurred India to a thrilling two-wicket win in the third ODI against SA at Newlands in Cape Town on Tuesday.