India vs Australia 2018: Chance For India To Close The Gap On World Number One Pakistan

India will start the three-match series against Australia as firm favourites. The odds are firmly stacked against the hosts. Not only are they missing two of their biggest batting stars in the form of David Warner and Steve Smith, their form is also not encouraging.

They recently lost the ODI and T20I series against South Africa at home. Prior to that, Pakistan had whitewashed them 3-0 in the T20Is. On the other hand, India is having a sensational year as far as the T20Is are concerned. They began the year with a 2-1 win in South Africa over the hosts. Rohit Sharma then led the team to win in the Nidahas Trophy before the Men in Blue beat Ireland and England. In their last assignment, India swept reigning T20 world champions Windies 3-0. So the recent results make it pretty clear that India would be favourites to win the series.

Well, the upcoming series will give both the teams an opportunity to improve their positions in the ICC T20I rankings for teams.

India are currently at the second place behind Pakistan. On the other hand, Australia are fourth.

So, here we take a look at how the series results will affect India and Australia’s standings in the ICC T20I Rankings for teams:

India 3-0 Australia:

A clean sweep of the series will see India collecting two more rating points which would take their tally to 129 points. The results will keep the Men in Blue at 2nd spot in the rankings, with Pakistan leading with 138 points. Australia, however, will lose four points and will drop down to 6th spot with 112 points.

India 2-1 Australia:

Even if India win the series but lose one game, they would not gain any point. On the other hand, Australia would manage to hold on to their current position but will lose one rating point.

India 1-2 Australia:

A 2-1 series defeat to the hosts would keep the visitors at the second spot in the rankings but Australia would gain one spot to climb up to 3rd position with 119 points. India, on the other hand, would lose two rating points to come down to 125.