Proteas: Sweep Bangladesh and No 1 spot beckons

Cape Town - The Proteas could move back to the No 1 spot in the ICC ODI rankings if they whitewash Bangladesh in their upcoming ODI series.

Last month, India overtook South Africa after their 4-1 win against Australia at home, which left Virat Kohli's charges currently one point ahead of the Proteas on 120 points.

However, the Proteas will go ahead of India - on decimal points - with a 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh and would reach 121 points with a 3-0 whitewash.

However, Faf du Plessis' men will only remain at the top if India are unable to win the opening match of their three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which will be played on the same day as the final ODI between South Africa and Bangladesh - on October 22.

If India defeat the Black Caps in their clash, they too will be on 121 points - but ahead on decimal point calculation.

However, India will have to go on to win the series against New Zealand 3-0 to retain the top spot as anything less than that scenario will see the Proteas regain the No 1 position - should they triumph 3-0 over Bangladesh.

South Africa v Bangladesh series scenarios:

• South Africa beat Bangladesh 3-0 - South Africa 121, Bangladesh 92
• South Africa beat Bangladesh 2-1 - South Africa 119, Bangladesh 95
• Bangladesh beat South Africa 2-1 - South Africa 117, Bangladesh 97
• Bangladesh beat South Africa 3-0 - South Africa 115, Bangladesh 100

Bangladesh ODI series itinerary:

Sunday, October 15 - 1st ODI, Diamond Oval

Wednesday, October 18 - 2nd ODI, Boland Park

Sunday, October 22 - 3rd ODI, Buffalo Park

Current ICC ODI team rankings:

1. India - 120

2. South Africa - 119

3. Australia - 114

4. England - 114

5. New Zealand - 111

6. Pakistan - 95

7. Bangladesh - 94

8. Sri Lanka - 86

9. West Indies - 77

10. Afghanistan - 54

11. Zimbabwe - 52

12. Ireland - 41