Lanka lose no. 2 ICC ODI status
 

by Sa'adi Thawfeeq

Sri Lanka have lost their no. 2 ranking in the International Cricket Council (ICC) one-day international table to South Africa after crashing to defeats in the first three matches of the on-going seven-match series against India.

At the start of the series, Sri Lanka was lying second to Australia with 123 points. But defeats at Nagpur, Mohali and Jaipur see them slide two places to fourth with 113 points in the table at the end of October.

Sri Lanka became the second ranked team in the world when they replaced New Zealand in February this year. They held onto the position for seven months.

South Africa who was lying in fifth position at the end of September with 111 points have replaced Sri Lanka in the no. 2 spot. Their unbeatable 3-0 lead in a five-match series against New Zealand has increased their tally of points to 119. New Zealand who were fourth with 116 points drop down one place to fifth with 110 points.

Despite their impressive start to the series against Sri Lanka, hosts India still remain stagnant at seventh position although they have improved their points from 97 to 104.

The ICC One-day International Rankings (at end of October):

Pos. Country Pts

The ICC One-day International Rankings (at end of October):
Pos.	Country			Pts

1.	Australia		136
2.	South Africa		119
3.	Pakistan		116
4.	Sri Lanka		113
5.	New Zealand		110
6.	England			109
7.	India			104
8.	West Indies		 90
9.	Zimbabwe		 44
10.	Bangladesh		 14