Indian eves aim to rise in rankings

The Indian women’s cricket team can rise to the fourth position in the ICC Rankings if it makes a <g data-gr-id="11">cleansweep</g> of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand starting on Sunday in Bangalore.

The series includes five <g data-gr-id="20">ODIs</g> but only the first three matches scheduled for June 28, July 1 and 3 will count towards the eight-team ICC Women’s Championship. The top four sides from this tournament will qualify automatically for the ICC Women’s World Cup <g data-gr-id="17">2017,</g> while the bottom four sides will play in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier. India <g data-gr-id="16">are</g> currently rooted to the bottom of the table on three points, with the White Ferns a point and a place ahead in seventh.

A 3-0 series victory for the visitors would see them move to joint third alongside the West Indies, while a 2-1 win would see both sides rise up the table -- New Zealand into joint fourth while India would leapfrog Sri Lanka. Looking ahead to the series, India captain Mithali Raj said: “This series of games is vitally important as we bid to improve our standing in the Women’s Championship, and we know that we will be facing a well-drilled and talented New Zealand side.”