India must beat Zimbabwe 3-0 to maintain the Second spot

Published 07/09/2015, 10:29 AM EDT

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The young Indian team touring Zimbabwe has a huge responsibility as they have to win all the matches of the ODI series, set to start from Friday, 10 July 2015, to retain the 115 points in their tally and maintain the second spot in the ICC ODI rankings.

Zimbabwe currently has 44 ratings and is placed 11 in the ICC rankings, 71 ratings behind second-ranked India, making them the overwhelming favorites to whitewash the series, failing which India will drop crucial points.

A complete whitewash will help India maintain their second spot whereas a 2-1 series win for India will see them losing 2 points, still staying on the second rank. However, things will turn around if the hosts win the series. A 2-1 series victory for the hosts will mean India losing four points moving down to the fourth spot whereas a complete whitewash will result in India sliding to 5 position with 109 points and Zimbabwe climbing up the ladder to the 10 spot, overtaking Ireland and reaching 52 points.

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Captain Rahane seems to be confident of a strong show by the Indian team. “We have a very good team, a balanced team. I am sure that as a team we will do well in Zimbabwe. We are confident that we will do well and win in Zimbabwe. We will get an idea after the first ODI once we play against Zimbabwe. It will be really exciting and challenging for all the players, batsmen and bowlers as well. We will have to come up with new plans because as per the new rules you can have four fielders outside the 30-yard circle in the last 10 overs. It will take time and we will have to see how it goes as far as the new rules are concerned.” Rahane said at a press conference.

The series is important for both the sides. While, India comes from a series loss, Zimbabwe will try to abrogate their status of the minnows.

The ICC ODI team rankings: (In order of rank, team, rankings)

  1. Australia 129
  2. India 115
  3. New Zealand 112
  4. South Africa 112
  5. Sri Lanka 106
  6. England 98
  7. Bangladesh 93
  8. West Indies 88
  9. Pakistan 87
  10. Ireland 50
  11. Zimbabwe 44
  12. Afghanistan 41

 

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Written by:

Lakshya Raheja

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