South Africa series: Pakistan given added incentive in ODIs

National team can climb to fifth position with series win.

KARACHI: After climbing to fourth place in the ICC Test rankings, Pakistan now have an opportunity to improve their One-Day International (ODI) standing through their five-match series against South Africa that starts tomorrow in Sharjah, UAE.         

Currently ranked number six, Misbahul Haq’s team will swap fifth position with its counterparts if it manages to win the series.

On the other hand, the Proteas also have a chance to narrow the gap with England and Sri Lanka to just four ratings points with a 4-1 victory. The gap will be trimmed to just one ratings point if South Africa sweep the series.

Meanwhile, India’s leading position in the ODIs was further strengthened after the last two matches against Australia in a seven-match series could not be played due to rain.

Although Australia lead the ongoing series 2-1, they will be unable to claim the top spot even if they take the series 4-1 as they needed a 6-1 rout over India for the task.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 29^th, 2013.

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