Australia pip India to clinch top ODI rankings

New Delhi: Australia have clinched the No. 1 spot in the ICC Rankings for One-Day International (ODI) teams. They achieved the top spot after beating South Africa in the fifth and final ODI in Sydney by a close margin. They clinched the series 4-1 and that allowed them to overhaul India, who were on the top spot.

Ahead of the fifth ODI, Australia were on 116 rating points, with India only a point ahead at 117. This victory puts them on 117 rating points, but they have gone past India to take the top spot. South Africa meanwhile, have kept their third spot intact.

Australia have been in magnificent form throughout the ODI series. The only game they lost was the second ODI at Perth.

Earlier, they had beaten Pakistan 3-0 in the limited over format in United Arab Emirates. The back-to-back ODI series comes as a big boost for the Aussies ahead of the ICC World Cup 2015.

Australia will be leading favourites going into the World Cup but before that they face India and England in a triangular series ahead of the coveted tournament.

Former Aussie legend Glenn McGrath, congratulated the team for sealing the top spot. He expressed his views through social micro-blogging site, Twitter.  

Congratulations to Australia on becoming the No.1 ODI team in the world after beating South Africa 4-1 #AUSvSA — Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) November 23, 2014

The former fast bowler also acknowledged the effort of Steve Smith who won the man-of-the-series.

Congratulations to @stevesmith49 for being named Player of the Series for the 2nd series in a row!! Great effort mate & well deserved. — Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) November 23, 2014