New Zealand have moved ahead of England in the ICC World Test Championship points table after thrashing West Indies by an innings and 12 runs in the second Test. With the win, the Black Caps also clean swept the two-match series and took their unbeaten run at home to an incredible 15 Tests.
Not only that, New Zealand also moved to the top of the ICC Test Rankings for the first time in their history. After winning the first Test in Hamilton by an innings and 134 runs, the hosts put up yet another commanding display despite missing their talismanic skipper Kane Williamson who is on paternity leave.
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 World Test Championship points table:
Riding on yet another impressive win, New Zealand collected 60 points and moved past England into third place in the world Test championship standings. A clean sweep of Pakistan in an impending two-test series will give New Zealand a chance of competing with Australia and India for a place in the final of the championship.
Australia are currently at the top with 82.2% points, followed by India’s 75%. New Zealand, England and Pakistan complete the top five. West Indies, on the other hand, are reeling at the seventh spot with 11.1% points.
ICC World Test Championship Points Table:
| Rank | Team | Series Played | Points | Point (%) | Series Wins |
| 1 | Australia | 3 | 296 | 82.2 | 2 |
| 2 | India | 4 | 360 | 75 | 3 |
| 3 | New Zealand | 4 | 300 | 62.5 | 2 |
| 4 | England | 4 | 292 | 60.8 | 3 |
| 5 | Pakistan | 3.5 | 166 | 39.5 | 1 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 2 | 80 | 33.3 | 0 |
| 7 | West Indies | 3 | 40 | 11.1 | 0 |
| 8 | South Africa | 2 | 24 | 10 | 0 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 1.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Also Read: ICC Test Rankings: New Zealand Join Australia At Top After Thrashing West Indies
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