London, Oct 15: Pakistan could climb above India to fifth spot in the ICC Test championship table if it beats South Africa in the two-test home series starting in Lahore this Thursday. A 2-0 series win for Pakistan would boost its rating from 92 to 100 while India, which drew the first of two home tests against New Zealand last week, can only increase its rating from 94 to 98 even if it wins its next match.
Pakistan has not been ahead of India in the official Test ratings since July 2002 but even a 1-0 series win will see it climb to fifth if India fails to beat New Zealand in their second Test in Mohali.
South Africa currently lies second behind Australia in the official Test ratings. With a comfortable 10 point cushion over nearest rivals New Zealand, defeat in Pakistan would not be enough to push Graeme Smith's team back into third place.
However, a 2-0 defeat would cause South Africa's rating to fall significantly from 116 to 110. On the other hand a 1-0 or 2-0 win will see the visiting team improve its rating by one or two points respectively.
Bureau Report