How Did Australia Retain Its Top Spot in ICC Women's ODI Rankings?

New Delhi, May 14 (NationPress) Australia has successfully retained its number one rank in the ICC Women’s ODI team standings, following the release of the annual update on Wednesday. According to the latest update, Australia boasts 167 rating points, which is a substantial 40 points ahead of second-placed England.

The ICC stated that this annual assessment eliminates matches played from October 2021 to April 2022, including the 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup held in New Zealand. This year, the women's updates have transitioned from an October start to a May start, aligning with the men's team annual rankings update.

“Before this update, the weighting was 50 percent for matches from October 2021 to September 2023 and 100 percent thereafter. Following the update, the weightings adjust to 50 percent for matches between May 2022 and April 2024 and 100 percent thereafter,” the ICC explained.

The matches that contributed to Australia's 100 percent weightage included two series victories of 3-0 against India, both at home and away, alongside 3-0 wins in Bangladesh and at home against England. They also triumphed over the West Indies and New Zealand with 2-0 wins in a three-match series and defeated South Africa 2-1 at home.

During the 100 percent weightage phase for England, they achieved victories against New Zealand with scores of 3-0 at home and 2-1 away, as well as winning against both Pakistan and Sri Lanka with scores of 2-0 at home, and edging past Ireland and South Africa 2-1 in away matches.

India has secured the third position in the rankings post-update, but under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, they have narrowed the gap with England from 11 to 6 points, currently standing at 121 rating points. India, which recently clinched a tri-series in Sri Lanka alongside South Africa, also achieved 3-0 victories over Ireland, the West Indies, and South Africa, and a 2-1 win against New Zealand during this timeframe.

Both South Africa and the West Indies had reached the semifinals of the 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup, but these results are no longer included in the calculations, leading to a decline in their rating points.

South Africa, with 90 rating points, has lost nine points but remains fifth in the unchanged top six of the table. The West Indies have dropped ten rating points, falling behind Bangladesh (ranked seventh) and Pakistan (ranked eighth), landing them in ninth position with 72 rating points.

In total, 15 teams are now ranked in women’s ODIs, which include Ireland, Thailand, Scotland, Netherlands, Zimbabwe, and Papua New Guinea (PNG). The United States of America (USA) has fallen off the rankings after losing their ODI status, making way for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who will be ranked once they participate in eight ODIs.