Following the most recent annual update, India remained at the top, while Australia, the current world champions, took third place in the ICC’s men’s ODI team rankings.
In a statement issued on Monday, the ICC said, “India remain at the pinnacle of the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings after the latest annual update, leading second-placed New Zealand (113 points) by a narrow five-point margin, while Australia (109 points) retain the third place to round off the top three.”
India now has 118 points, a little decline of one rating point.
Matches played from May 2025 are given full weight (100%) in the annual rankings update, while results from the preceding two years are given half weight (50%).
South Africa broke into the top four with a score of 102 points, surpassing Pakistan’s 98 points.
The top eight is completed by Sri Lanka (96), Afghanistan (93), and England (89), while the remaining top ten is unaltered.
With 84 points, Bangladesh is ranked ninth, while the West Indies are currently at 74 points, trailing the Tigers by 10 points as opposed to six in the last update.
“This particular outcome has important ramifications for both the sides, as they seek to secure a direct qualification for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027,” the ICC said.
“The top eight teams in the ICC Rankings as of March 31, 2027 will secure direct qualification alongside hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, who have automatically qualified,” it added.
Given their automatic qualification for the competition, South Africa’s ninth place becomes crucial to a direct World Cup ticket if they stay in the top eight.
Ireland (54) moved up to 11th place, surpassing Zimbabwe (53), while the USA moved up to 13th, surpassing Scotland with 46 points as opposed to Scotland’s 44.
The UAE also improved, moving up to 19th place after surpassing Canada with 16 points.
