Dubai: India’s Virat Kohli has reclaimed the No.1 position in the latest ICC rankings for One-Day International (ODI) batsmen released Sunday at the conclusion of the Asia Cup which was won by Sri Lanka.
Kohli had entered the Asia Cup, trailing No.1 ranked AB de Villiers by two points. Kohli’s tournament aggregate of 189 runs in three innings, with 136 against Bangladesh as his series best, earned him 12 points which has put him ahead of South Africa ODI captain by nine points.
Following his knock of 136, Kohli had achieved his career high rating of 886 but finished with 881 points after scores of 48 (against Sri Lanka) and 5 (against Pakistan). Kohli didn’t bat against Afghanistan.
Kohli was last ranked No.1 just before the ODI series against New Zealand in January 2014.
Other Indian batsmen to head in the right direction include Shikhar Dhawan in eighth (up by three places), Rohit Sharma in 22nd (up by one place) and Ravindra Jadeja in 50th (up by 12 places). Jadeja and Ravichandaran Ashwin are the biggest gainers in the top 20 of the bowlers rankings. Jadeja earned four places and is now in fifth position after claiming seven wickets in four matches while Ashwin’s nine wickets in the series has given him a lift of seven places that has put him in 14th.
India have been guaranteed to retain their No. 2 position in the team rankings at the April 1 cut-off date. India finished with 113 points, just one ahead of third-ranked Sri Lanka, to walk away with a prize of $75,000. There was no other change in the table with all sides retaining their positions.
Australia were assured of the No.1 ranking in January after India lost their ODI series against New Zealand 0-4. They will receive the ODI shield as well as a cheque of $175,000. The Asia Cup was the last ODI series before the April 1 cut-off date.
First T20 international abandoned
PORT ELIZABETH: The first Twenty20 international between South Africa and Australia at St George’s Park was abandoned because of rain without a ball bowled yesterday.
Rain fell steadily for most of the day, although at one stage the covers were removed and the pitch was rolled while match officials and some team members looked on. But a heavy shower ended any chance of play.
The three-match series provides both teams with an opportunity to prepare for the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh later this month. The second match is scheduled for Durban on Wednesday and the final match is in Centurion on Friday.
Sad the way Pietersen was treated: Gayle
Bridgetown: West Indies batting star Chris Gayle has been saddened by the manner in which Kevin Pietersen was treated by England’s cricket authorities. Pietersen, the side’s premier batsman, was sacked following England’s recent embarrassing 5-0 whitewash at the hands of Australia.
“He’s definitely missed. I’m sad he’s not here and being a part of England,” said Gayle, a friend of Pietersen, reports CMC.
“He’s done a lot and the way he actually went out was sad but I wish him well in whatever he does. England may call him back, you never know,” he said.
Initially, the England and Wales Cricket Board offered no explanation for Pietersen’s sacking but following media pressure, released a statement saying that the move had been aimed at strengthening Alistair Cook’s position as captain and creating a culture of trust in the squad.
Agencies
