DHAKA: India on Wednesday were dethroned as the number one  ODI team after they suffered an agonizing 15-run defeat in a rain-truncated second ODI against New Zealand, who have now taken a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

India, who desperately needed a win to retain their top spot, made a valiant effort to overhaul the revised target of 297 in 42 overs Times of India reports.

They failed to cross the finishing line scoring 277 for nine in 41.3 overs, giving Australia pole position in the ICC ODI rankings.

The Duckworth-Lewis par score in 41.3 overs was 293.

The loss was all the more heartbreaking for India as they conceded the No. 1 ODI position to Australia, having relinquished their top position in Tests to England back in 2011 after 0-4 whitewash.

India now travels to Auckland for the third ODI at the Eden Park on January 25, which will be a do-or-die match for them.

BDST: 1928 HRS, JAN 21, 2014