CWC points table explained: Why India is above South Africa and New Zealand

India are firmly at the top of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 points table after five wins from their first five matches.

New Zealand and South Africa have won all but one of their matches so far, with the two teams level on eight points, two behind India, and the Proteas (+2,370) ahead of the Black Caps (+1,481) on net run rate.

India were dominant early on including a crushing win over Afghanistan, but it was a four-wicket win over New Zealand that moved them into first place.

Captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were the bright spark for the home side, scoring 46 and 95 respectively against the New Zealanders to secure the victory.

However, India have a lower net run rate of +1.353 than both South Africa (+2.370) and New Zealand (+1.481) which will not play a role as long as they maintain their flawless start to the campaign.

The Netherlands is at the bottom of the table after losing all its matches except for the surprise victory over South Africa.

While Afghanistan overtakes England in sixth place after winning two matches.

They also have a superior net run rate to Jos Buttler’s men, at -0.969 compared to England’s -1.248 ahead of the must-win clash with Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh also won only one match in their first five matches, while England and Sri Lanka played only four matches.

Australia have a much higher net run rate than those below them having regained form following defeats to India and South Africa, and currently sit fourth in the table.

Pat Cummins’ side have boosted their run rate to +1.142, which could help them retain their final semi-final berth, despite only getting two points more than Pakistan – but their net run rate is -0.400.