South Africa reclaim No. 1 ODI ranking after 5-0 sweep vs Sri Lanka

South African teammates celebrate after winning the fifth and last One Day International (ODI) cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka. Pic/PTI

Dubai: South Africa returned to the top of the ICC ODI team rankings after sweeping aside Sri Lanka 5-0 in their home series which ended at Centurion.

South Africa had entered the series against Sri Lanka, trailing number-one ranked Australia by four points. However, Australia's 0-2 defeat against New Zealand and South Africa's own 5-0 win over Sri Lanka meant the Proteas (119 points) have now moved ahead of the world champions.

India, meanwhile, were placed fourth in the ODI team rankings with 112 points, behind third-placed New Zealand with 113 points.

A delighted South Africa captain AB de Villiers said: "We have had some trials since the World Cup two years ago but have worked hard to rebuild and to gain some form and consistency in this format. The Champions Trophy is in June and regaining the No.1 position is a step in the right direction."