Cricket: Blackcaps rise to top of world one-day international rankings

  • 03/05/2021

The Blackcaps now sit atop the world in two of cricket's three formats.

On Monday, the International Cricket Council announced that New Zealand are now officially the No.1 ranked one-day international team, leapfrogging Australia and reigning world champions England to claim the top spot.

Their ascent the top of the 50-over standings comes after they earned the No.1 ranking in the test standings for the first time back in January, helping book their place in the inaugural World Test Championship final against India in June.

This summer, the Blackcaps have experienced a golden run like no other, winning all of their home series against the touring West Indies, Pakistan, Australia, and Bangladesh.

New Zealand have also gained ground in the Twenty20 rankings, moving from fifth to third on the back of their four home series wins.

The Blackcaps have also excelled on an individual basis, with captain Kane Williamson now the world's No.1 ranked test batsman, joined by Henry Nicholls at 7th equal.

Quick Trent Boult is the top ranked ODI bowler, while seamer Neil Wagner's heroics have also seen him climb to No.2 in the test bowling rankings.

The Blackcaps are preparing to head to England, where they'll play a two-test series starting June 2.