India reclaim No. 1 T20I ranking after Zimbabwe series win

HARARE: India have climbed back to the top of the ICC Men’s T20I team rankings after taking an unassailable lead in their three-match series against Zimbabwe, quickly reclaiming the position they had lost earlier this month.

The reigning T20 world champions moved to No. 1 after defeating Zimbabwe by 90 runs in the second T20I at Harare on Saturday. The victory gave India a 2-0 lead in the series and pushed them ahead of England in the rankings.

India had slipped to second after a difficult tour of England, where they suffered a heavy series defeat. England had subsequently taken over the top spot after India’s long reign at No. 1 came to an end.

The return to the summit has come quickly, with India showing a strong response against Zimbabwe. In the second T20I, India posted 219 for five, powered by Ishan Kishan’s 81 from 44 balls and an unbeaten 60 from Tilak Varma. Zimbabwe were then dismissed for 129 in 17.5 overs as India completed a convincing victory.

The first match had also gone India’s way. They chased down Zimbabwe’s 125 for seven in just 13.2 overs, winning by seven wickets, with young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hitting a rapid 50 from only 19 deliveries.

India’s return to No. 1 underlines the competitiveness at the top of the T20I rankings. Before the Zimbabwe series, England were ranked first with India second, while Australia, New Zealand and South Africa occupied the next three places.

Pakistan remain sixth, followed by West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in the top 10.

With the series already secured, India entered the third T20I with an opportunity to complete a clean sweep. The result could also prove important in what is currently a closely contested battle for the top ranking.

For India, however, the immediate message is clear: “after a brief fall from the summit, the world champions are back at No. 1.”