Proteas now number one in Tests and ODIs

New Zealand

South Africa have reclaimed the number-one ranking on the ODI team rankings following the conclusion of their series against the Black Caps in New Zealand.

South Africa entered the three-match ODI series trailing Australia by one ratings point. They moved to the top of the table following their 72-run victory in the second ODI in Mount Maunganui on 24 October.

Though the third and final ODI of the series in Hamilton on Monday was washed-out, the results in Mount Maunganui were enough to ensure the Proteas finished the series on top of the tree.

This is the first time in five years that South Africa surged to the top of the ODI team table. They last enjoyed the number one position in September 2009, before losing the status to Australia following their first round elimination from the ICC Champions Trophy 2009.

Meanwhile, in the ODI player rankings, South Africa batsmen AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla occupied the top two positions in the batting table following their sides’ 2-0 series victory in New Zealand.

De Villiers retained the top spot in the rankings for ODI Batsmen but his team-mate Amla, with scores of 38 and 119, closed the gap to 28 ratings points as preparations for the World Cup gather pace.

However, India’s Virat Kohli, who slipped to third following Amla’s movement, will have a chance to move up the order when he takes the field against Sri Lanka in the series, which starts on 2 November. Only two ratings points separate the second and third ranked batsmen.

New Zealand’s top-ranked batsman was Ross Taylor who remained in 10th place in the current rankings. Skipper Brendon McCullum (26th) dropped one place on the leader board, but the biggest mover was 33-year-old wicketkeeper/batsman, Luke Ronchi, who rose 52 places to 62nd after scores of 99 and 79.

On the rankings for ODI Bowlers, South African paceman Dale Steyn retained his third place after figures of one wicket for 28 runs and two for 35 runs, respectively.

Ryan McLaren dropped three places to 12th position, though Morne Morkel moved up two places to 15th after a series which saw him claim three wickets. Leg-spinner Imran Tahir’s consistent performances saw him climb four places to a career-high 22nd place. Another significant riser was Vernon Philander who rose 15 places to 78th position.

New Zealand’s top ranked bowler, Kyle Mills, dropped four places to 17th in the latest rankings.

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