Pakistan could overtake India for first time in over a year

Pakistan could climb above India to fifth in the ICC Test Championship table if it beats South Africa in the two Test Match home series starting in Lahore this Thursday.

A 2-0 series win for Pakistan would boost its rating from 92 to 100 while India, which drew the first of two home Tests against New Zealand last week, can only increase its rating from 94 to 98 even if it wins its next match.

Pakistan has not been ahead of India in the official Test ratings since July 2002 but even a 1-0 series win will see it climb to fifth if India fails to beat New Zealand in their second Test in Mohali.

South Africa currently lies second behind Australia in the official Test ratings. With a comfortable 10 point cushion over nearest rivals New Zealand, defeat in Pakistan would not be enough to push Graeme Smiths team back into third place.

However, a 2-0 defeat would cause South Africas rating to fall significantly from 116 to 110. On the other hand a 1-0 or 2-0 win will see the visiting team improve its rating by one or two points respectively.

The ICC Test Championship table correct on 14 October 2003

Developed by David Kendix.

Full scenarios for Pakistan v South Africa Test series:

Clive Lloyd from the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Referees will officiate on the series. Darrell Hair from the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires and Neil Mallender from the Emirates International Panel will stand in the first Test while Daryl Harper and Simon Taufel from the Emirates Elite Panel will stand in the second Test.

The impact future results will have on the ratings is available on the official ICC website. For a full explanation of how the ratings are calculated, visit www.icc.cricket.org.

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