- By Manik Sharma
- Mon, 25 Sep 2023 12:37 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
After an emphatic win against Australia in the second ODI in Indore, India made sure they head to the ODI World Cup as the number one side in the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings. The victory assured India the number one spot irrespective of the outcome in the third ODI.
Before the series, the Men in Blue needed at least two wins to freeze their place at the top before the World Cup, and they managed to do it with one game in hand.
This achievement means that India tops the ranking chart across all formats of the game, having previously secured the top spot in Tests and T20Is. Currently, India boasts 117 rating points, positioning them two points clear to Pakistan. Pakistan follows closely behind with 115 rating points, while Australia has slipped to third place with 110 points.
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Notably, this marks only the second instance in the history of men's cricket where a team has achieved the number one ranking across all formats. Previously, South Africa had achieved this remarkable feat in August 2012.
The second ODI match was a showcase of India's all-round game management. After being put to bat first, India posted an imposing total of 399/5 in 50 overs. Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer led the charge with brilliant centuries, laying a solid foundation for the team. Captain KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav contributed with explosive half-centuries to make sure India finish strongly.
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Chasing 400, Australia were reduced to 9/2 early in the chase. The rain briefly interrupted play and upon resumption, Australia's target was adjusted to 317 runs in 33 overs as per DLS. David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne stitched an 80 runs partnership, but wickets continued to fall after Ashwin clean bowled Labuschagne with a carrom ball. Ultimately, Australia was bowled out for 217 runs, losing by a substantial margin of 99 runs.
Shreyas Iyer was named the 'Player of the Match' award. With this commanding win, India has secured a 2-0 unassailable lead in the series, with one match remaining.