A series win over top-ranked Australia in the three-match ODI series will see Sri Lanka replace India and grab the second place in the ICC ODI rankings, but South Africa will have to win their remaining three matches against Pakistan if they want to topple India.
Both Sri Lanka and South Africa are currently locked on 115 ratings points, two behind India, but all this can change depending on how the two series pan out.
A 3-0 win for Sri Lanka will put them on 121 ratings points four behind Australia, who will drop to 125 ratings points while a 2-1 success for Kumar Sangakkara's side will take it to 118 ratings points.
However, Sri Lanka will drop behind England on 112 ratings points if Ricky Ponting's side makes a clean sweep of the series, while both the sides will retain their pre-series rankings and ratings if Australia wins the series 2-1.
On the other hand, South Africa face a far difficult challenge, particularly after Pakistan's sensational one-wicket victory in the second ODI in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
The Proteas now need to win the remaining three matches, which will lift them to 119 ratings points.
Failure to win the series or the remaining matches of the series will see South Africa plummet down the table.
If Pakistan win the series 3-2, South Africa will drop below England on 111 ratings points, but Graeme Smith's side will fall to as low as sixth place if Shahid Afridi's men win all their remaining matches.
Pakistan's success in the remaining three ODIs will mean both sides will be equal on 107 ratings points but the home sides will be placed higher when the ratings are calculated beyond the decimal point.
