ICC Test Rankings: New Zealand Join Australia At Top After Thrashing West Indies
Published - 14 Dec 2020, 10:05 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:38 AM
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New Zealand moved to the top of the ICC Test Rankings on Monday after thrashing West Indies by an innings and 12 runs in the second Test to sweep the series. The Black Caps are now joined top along with Australia.
Following on 329 runs behind, West Indies resumed their second innings at 244-6 on the fourth day. The visitors needed to score at least 86 more runs to make New Zealand bat again. However, they could only score 73 runs as they were all out for 317.
After rain delayed the start, New Zealand started well with the ball and dismissed West Indies captain Jason Holder for 61 in the fourth over of the day. The breakthrough ended Holder’s 82-run partnership with Joshua Da Silva. Pace spearhead Tim Southee was the bowler who sent back Holder.
Next to depart was Alzarri Joseph. The fast-bowler hit two sixes and three fours in his short innings of 24 before being caught down the leg side by wicketkeeper BJ Watling from Southee’s bowling. Da Silva, on the other hand, went on to complete his first half century from 77 balls on his Test debut before falling lbw to Neil Wagner. The left-arm pacer then went on to castle Shannon Gabriel for a duck to end West Indies’ innings.
ICC Test Rankings:
The 2-0 series win has lifted New Zealand level with Australia on 116 points in first place on the ICC Test Rankings. The Black Caps have achieved the ranking for the first time in their history. New Zealand are now unbeaten in its last 15 Test matches at home.
As far as India are concerned, they are third in the rankings with 114 points. India will have a chance to reclaim the top ranking when they lock horns against Australia in the upcoming four-match Test series.
Here is the ICC Test Rankings:
| POSITION | TEAM | MATCHES | RATING |
| 1 | Australia | 26 | 116 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 24 | 116 |
| 3 | India | 27 | 114 |
| 4 | England | 41 | 106 |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | 27 | 91 |
| 6 | South Africa | 23 | 90 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 20 | 85 |
| 8 | West Indies | 25 | 77 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 17 | 55 |
| 10 | Zimbabwe | 8 | 18 |
