Ratings as of May 26th.
Re: Thank you West Indies
Anyhow, jokes aside, I wouldn’t be overly joyed over our temporary ascent (return) to number three in rankings as there’s very little separation among the teams occupying the top few positions after Australia.
These rankings however, are more insightful when teams are grouped into cumulative categories. I’d distribute the teams in the following five categories as shown in the screenshot below:
I’d venture that within a given category, each team is equally capable of beating other teams in its category (with New Zealand being a trend breaking exception). It just doesn’t feel right to see New Zealand among S.A, India and Pakistan. Have they really been that good?
Much to my disliking, Australia is still way too ahead in points aggregate to have any other team be classified in the same category, but S.A, India and Pakistan are closing the gap and hopefully a few more encounters with Australia will speed up the process, but I doubt that ODI tournaments before the world cup will result in Australia getting toppled from its current top position.
Trends:
Currently, Pakistan, India, S.A, and New Zeland are in the same category (significantly below Australia). I think New Zealand will descend down to category C soon, and West Indies which is currently in D, will soon ascend to category C as well (or higher, who knows). One thing working in West Indies favor is that they are already pretty close to bottom and each win over a higher ranked team will accelerate their travel upwards.
Incidentally, England and Sri Lanka will soon be playing some ODIs and are next to eachother in rankings too. I think their games will result in a possible shuffling within their current category (C) without either of them moving upwards to join India,Pak,SA.
Re: Thank you West Indies
Re: Thank you West Indies
It's been so long since Pakistan played SA. It would be a great series to determine the number 2 ODI spot.
Re: Thank you West Indies
Thanks for sharing the information. However I think SA is in the league of Austrailia now after dominating the second spot for so long. I think Pakistan crossed them only for a week or so before losing badly to India in Feb.
As for Pakistan's chance to pull them further towards SA are bleak. Since they will be playing England which is itself has no value to earn noticable points against. May be a white wash may get them close but won't be crossing SA any soon. But there is a good chance of a white wash though. I think a clear picture of point table will be seen only after August once Pak and India (Cat B) complete their foreign summer tours involving England and SL, both from Catagory C.