India, the newly crowned Asian champions, will square off against Australia in a three-match One-Day International series beginning on Friday, September 22 at the IS Bindra Stadium of the Punjab Cricket Association in Mohali. Following their victory in the Asia Cup, the Men-in-Blue are currently ranked second in ODIs with 114.659 ratings. India will guarantee its entry at the ODI World Cup 2023 as the top-ranked side in the world with a 2-1 series victory over Australia. The team lead by Rohit Sharma has a fantastic opportunity to win the first ODI and advance.
Notably, Pakistan is currently recognized as the best team in the world despite failing to capture the Asia Cup in 2023. With a few decimal places, the Babar Azam-led team has slightly higher ratings than India and currently holds the top rank with 114.889.
Following their exit from the Asia Cup, Pakistan had previously fallen to third place in the rankings, with Australia moving up to the top spot. However, the Kangaroos’ 2-3 loss to South Africa made it possible for Pakistan to retake first place. With 113 ratings, Australia is currently in third place and needs to beat India in order to retake first place. On the other hand, if Australia defeats India by a score of 2-1, Pakistan will continue to hold the top slot and they will move up to it.
India and Australia will play each other in the opening match of the 2023 World Cup.
India will make its final preparations for the World Cup during the series against Australia. A three-match ODI series against Australia earlier this year ended in defeat for the Men in Blue. Additionally, they have lost three of the previous four series they have fought against the five-time World Champions. So, in order to receive the much-needed practice for the major event, the Rohit Sharma-led team will get to play against their adversary.
The two nations will also face off in their World Cup opener on Sunday, October 8 at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium.Currently, Pakistan is the top-ranked ODI squad.