Even as the cut-off date for announcing the best team draws closer, the battle for the number two spot in the International Cricket Council’s ODI championship gets interesting with India, South Africa and Sri Lanka emerging as contenders.

Only three ratings points separate second-ranked India and third placed South Africa from fourth-ranked Sri Lanka. The side which finishes second on April 1 will get $75,000.

Sri Lanka on Tuesday moved to 113 ratings points after defeating India by 51 runs in Brisbane while India slipped to join South Africa on 116 ratings points. However, India are still ranked above South Africa in second place when the ratings are calculated beyond the decimal point.

Australia are favorites to complete a hat-trick of finishing as the number-one ranked side.

England took a sweet revenge of their 0-3 defeat in the Test series by outplaying Pakistan 4-0 in the four-match ODI series which ended in Dubai Tuesday. While doing so, England have moved ahead of Pakistan in fifth place on the ICC ODI Championship table.

Alastair Cook’s side wrapped up the ODI series by beating Misbah-ul-Haq’s men by five wickets in the last ODI in Dubai after having won the earlier matches by 130 runs, 20 runs and nine wickets respectively.

England have earned five ratings points, which has put them on 111 ratings points, while Pakistan have dropped to 104 ratings points after conceding five ratings points.

Australia, which has three wins from five matches in the tri-series, started the series at the top spot with 130 ratings points. They now have 129 ratings points and enjoy a commanding lead over India and South Africa.

Michael Clarke’s side is now the clear favorite to finish at the top of the tree and win the $175,000 cash prize.