March 08, 2008	Saturday	Safar 29, 1429

DUBAI, March 7: South Africa have an opportunity to dethrone Australia and secure the top spot in the ICC one-day rankings table at the April 1 cut-off if they sweep the three-match series against Bangladesh starting in Chittagong on Sunday.

Both Australia and South Africa are currently sitting on 127 ratings points but Graeme Smith’s side is behind Ricky Ponting’s men by just 0.529 of a point when the ratings are calculated beyond the decimal point.

If the Proteas wins the series 3-0 against Bangladesh, they will stay on 127 ratings points but will finish ahead of Australia by 0.191 at the cut-off.

This date is significant because the sides that lead the Test and ODI ladders on April 1, pocket $175,000 each for their achievements, while the sides that lie second collect $75,000 each.

Last year, South Africa snatched the title just before the April 1 cut-off date, relegating Australia to second, and no doubt Smith and company will be using the possibility of repeating that feat as a motivational tool for the series.

If Bangladesh manage to win just one game, Australia will maintain their top position opening up a two-point gap with South Africa dropping to 125 ratings points.

In the Test rankings table, Australia are sure of collecting the cheque for $175,000 and of retaining the mace by finishing at the top at the cut-off date. Australia lead the field by 30 clear ratings points.

As far as the runners-up are concerned, India are currently placed second and can only slip to third place if England make a clean sweep of their ongoing series in New Zealand.—Agencies