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12-Sep-2009 07:48:00 GMT
Compaq Cup, 2009

How India Reach World's Top Position in ODIs

New Delhi: India climbed to top of the ODI rankings on Friday with a thrashing of the Kiwis in the Compaq Cup tri-series.

The victory powered India to 128 points with South Africa sitting at number two on 127 points in the ICC rankings. But India could fall to number two as early as Saturday if they end up going down to Sri Lanka in their second back-to-back match in the tri-series.

However, India skipper M S Dhoni says his team is not focussed on that. Nevertheless, we bring to you India's journey to the top spot, led brilliantly by Dhoni.

Nov'07: The journey began with a series win against the old rivals Pakistan in November 2007. M S Dhoni, in his only second series as captain of India, took his team to a 3-2 series win at home against Pakistan. The makings of the team of the future was all there.

Mar'08: The seminal moment in India's road to the top - a brave new generation took on the three-time world champions Australia in their own den. Australia had never been beaten at home in this fashion by an upstart bunch, led by the talisman Sachin Tendulkar.

Aug'08: England came calling and were shown their place in August last year. Kevin Pietersen came armed with a reputation which was then torn to bits. India already had a 5-0 lead in the seven-game series before the Mumbai attacks brought it to a premature end as 7-0 was very much on the cards.

Jan-Feb'09: In the new year, a hastily arranged series in Sri Lanka where a repeat act from six months ago was scripted once again. The home team threw everything they had at India's bustling youth brigade but it was only in the fifth match that they finally tasted victory. However, India won the series 4-1.

Mar'09: New Zealand had never conceded a one-day series at home to India. But that bit of history too was brushed aside with disdain as Dhoni's men outbatted the home team in its own backyard, winning in ruthless fashion to post the Tri-colour at another outpost.

Jun-Jul'09: A shattering failure to defend their world T20 had to be overcome and this time the West Indies at home were the victims. India's one-day machine rumbled into full motion as the Trophy got them within sniffing distance to the pedestal which was to be theirs in a few months time.

Now Dhoni and his men must be eager to stay at top for sometime by winning their next two matches both against Sri Lanka on Saturday and Monday next.


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