October 14, 2007	Sunday	Shawwal 1, 1428

DUBAI, Oct 13: Pakistan have dropped to seventh place in the ICC Test Championship table after their 1-0 series defeat to South Africa. Pakistan, who were earlier in sixth place with 99 points, lost three points and are now only ahead of West Indies (72) and Bangladesh (4).

South Africa, on the other hand, stay in fifth place, but they are now only two points behind India and Sri Lanka, who both have 107 points.

For Pakistan, it’s been a particularly painful slide – they were placed third earlier this year, but have since lost two successive series against South Africa.

Pakistan’s chance to prop up their ratings comes soon, when they tour India next month for a series that includes five ODIs and three Tests.

South Africa can further close in on the higher-ranked teams when they host New Zealand for a two-Test series next month.

Australia remain firmly ensconced on top of the leader board with 141 points, 30 clear of second-placed England.—Agencies