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South Africa can become the first team to topple Australia from the top spot in the International Cricket Council’s (ICCs) One-day International (ODI) rankings if they beat Pakistan in the final one-dayer at Johannesburg and if Australia lose the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee series in New Zealand.

Australia have been ranked No 1 since the current rankings were introduced in 2002. South Africa are currently on 127 points, three behind Australia. If they beat Pakistan on Wednesday (tomorrow) they will move up to 128.

They have hit excellent one-day form since failing to make the finals of the tri-series in Australia in 2005-06, with home series wins over Australia, Zimbabwe and India and qualifying for the semifinals of the Champions Trophy.

If Australia do lose the Chappell-Hadlee series, for which they have rested several regulars, they will drop down to second place and New Zealand will move up to third. England remain at seventh place despite beating Australia 2-0 in the CB Series finals. India could slip from fifth to sixth if they lose the remaining two One-day Internationals of the ongoing series against Sri Lanka.

Source:The News