Black Caps ranked number one

The Black Caps have regained top spot in the ODI cricket rankings thanks to England’s demise in their series against Australia.

Black Caps
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Before the start of that series, England sat comfortably on top with 119 rating points, five clear of New Zealand.

However, three successive defeats resulted in them losing six points, eventually falling behind New Zealand (114) with 113.

New Zealand start their ODI series against India in Auckland on Friday.

Australia’s wonderful performance was rewarded too. They jumped a place, moving to fourth with 112 rating points, displacing Pakistan, who have 107. This meant that Australia and India are now level on rating points, with the latter having more points in total.

India are number three with a 112 rating points, and 3802 overall points; Australia on No.4 with 112 and 3572 respectively.

England will get their next opportunity to reclaim the top spot when they face South Africa for a three-match series away from home in January 2023.

Meanwhile New Zealand opener Devon Conway’s knock of 59 in the tied final match of the series against India has helped him gain one spot to reach third in the T20 batting rankings.

Fellow batter Glenn Phillips has risen one place to seventh and seamer Tim Southee has risen to joint 14th in the bowling rankings.

Indian Suryakumar Yadav tops the T20 battings rankings and Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga tops the bowling rankings.

India is the top ranked T20 side from England, Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand.