NEW DELHI: India created history by becoming the number one ODI side following their easy five-wicket victory over Australia in the first game of the three-match series in Mohali on Friday.India's supremacy now spans across all formats, as they currently hold the top spot in both Tests and T20Is.
This remarkable achievement marks only the second occasion in men's cricket history that a team has attained the No.1 ranking across all formats.
Previously, South Africa accomplished this remarkable feat in August 2012.India (116 rating points) dislodged Pakistan (115) to climb to the top of the ICC ODI rankings.
Australia continue to be in third place but the gap with the top two sides has now widened after they dropped two points to 111.(Photo Courtesy: ICC)Rohit Sharma-led side now stands a chance to be the No.1 team heading into the World Cup if they go on to win the series.
Australia, on the other hand, squandered their chance as they needed a series whitewash to take the top spot.Pakistan had held on to their No.1 spot despite not making it to the Asia Cup final.
Both India and Australia had opportunities to reach the ODI summit during the Asia Cup and the South Africa series but lost games when it mattered.However, Pakistan could still go to the top if Australia win the remaining two matches.Talking about the match, seamer Mohammed Shami claimed career-best figures of 5-51 and India's frontline batters gave a good account of themselves to secure the victory.Put into bat, Australia were all out for 276 in exactly 50 overs even though 300 looked within their reach before Shami polished off their tail.In reply, four of India's top six batters smashed half-centuries as the home side, who had rested several frontline players, romped home with eight balls to spare.