DUBAI - Australia will enter the World Cup next week on top of the world rankings following their convincing 112-run tri-series final victory over England in Perth on Sunday.
Australia’s victory means they currently hold a six-point advantage over second-placed India, who also featured in the series. India, the defending World Cup champions, are a point clear of South Africa. With a number of ODI series concluding in recent days, the second and final match between New Zealand and Pakistan is set to be played on Tuesday, with the Black Caps holding a 1-0 lead following their seven-wicket win in Wellington on Saturday.
A victory for sixth-placed New Zealand would see them reduce England’s lead to two points, while a win for seventh-placed Pakistan would level the series 1-1 and reduce the gap on the Black Caps to three points. The World Cup takes place in Australia and New Zealand from February 14 until March 29.
RANKINGS
Rank    Team    Pts
1    Australia    120
2    India    114
3    South Africa    113
4    Sri Lanka    109
5    England    104
6    New Zealand    101
7    Pakistan    96
8    West Indies    94
9    Bangladesh    75
10    Zimbabwe    53
11    Afghanistan    41
12    Ireland    34