A history-making run by the Blackcaps has been rewarded with a highest ever test cricket ranking.
New Zealand has won four straight test match series, hoping to make that five next month at the conclusion of the three-match series against Bangladesh.
That run of form, alongside South Africa's shock 2-0 home series loss to Sri Lanka has seen the Blackcaps jump to second behind India.
The Blackcaps standing as a test match power is reflected in the individual rankings with four batsmen inside the top 20.
The Proteas have dropped to third heading off Australia and England.
Skipper Kane Williamson trails only Virat Kohli, heading off Indian batting rock Cheteshwar Pujara and the banned Steve Smith.
Cantabrian Henry Nicholls recent run of centuries has seen him jump heavyweights Joe Root, David Warner, Hashim Amla and Faf Du Plessis up to an impressive fifth. Tom Latham (14) and Ross Taylor (19) also feature.
In the bowling ranks, Trent Boult (6) and Tim Southee (9) remain inside the top 10 with Neil Wagner slipping to 14th.
Meanwhile, Taylor's magnificent match-winning 181 not out against England in Dunedin a year ago has been ranked the best ODI knock of 2018 by cricinfo.
Newshub.
