Dubai, Feb 22: As the deadline for announcing the best team in the ICC ODI Championship draws closer, India, South Africa and Sri Lanka have emerged as contenders for the second place which has made the battle interesting. The difference between the second ranked India and third placed South Africa, fourth-ranked Sri Lanka are just three points. The cut-off date is April 1, 2012, and the team that finishes second on the that date would receive $75,000.

According to the recent development, Sri Lanka moved to 113 points after they defeated second-ranked India by 51 runs in the tri-series ODI at Brisbane on Tuesday. Due to the loss, India slipped to 116 points to join South Africa as they are ahead with respect to calculations beyond decimal point.

Australia are favourites to complete a hat-trick as they have been successful in finishing as the number-one team for the last two years. With England beating Pakistan 3-0 and taking a sweet revenge, following their Test whitewash to Pakistan, England have moved ahead of Pakistan to occupy the fifth place in the ICC ODI Championship table.

England having earned five rating points, are seated comfortably ahead of Pakistan with 111 points, while Pakistan have dropped to 104 points after conceding five rating points. Though Australia lost two off the five matches, managed to lead the table as they had 130 points at the start of the tri-series and due to two losses, they have lost a point but still continue to dominate as they are placed ahead of India and South Africa.

Invariably, Australia would finish as number one team as the deadline is fixed and no other team can manage to squeeze in as Aussies have taken a commanding lead over India and South Africa, making it difficult for the two teams to make it to the top though they have Asia Cup and a series against New Zealand respectively.