New Zealand dethrone England to become number one ODI side
After the latest annual update, New Zealand have climbed to the top of the ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings. The Black Caps have dethroned reigning champions England to become the number one side in ODI cricket. Moreover, the English side slipped from the top spot to the fourth. The latest update also sees India plunging to third, marginally ahead of England. Here is more.
New Zealand have performed well in recent times
New Zealand have won 20 of their 30 completed ODIs in the past three years (2018-2021). They have extended their dominance at home. During the period, they claimed series wins over Sri Lanka, India, and Bangladesh. The Kiwis also finished as the runners-up in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019, having lost to England in a historic final.
Congratulations to Kane Williamson-led Black Caps
Four series sweeps at home since January 2019
Since January 2019, New Zealand have registered as many as four series sweeps at home. They routed Sri Lanka (3-0 in 2019) and India (3-0 in 2020) once each, and Bangladesh twice (3-0 in 2019, 2020). However, they lost four ODIs to India in 2019.
England remain the number one T20I side
In the ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings, England remain the number one side, extending their lead over second-placed India to five points. England drew a three-match series against Pakistan 1-1, defeated Australia 2-1 and South Africa 3-0 before losing to India 3-2. Meanwhile, New Zealand have moved up from fifth to third, swapping places with Australia. Surprisingly, the West Indies have dropped to tenth.
How does the ICC annual update function?
At the start of May each year, the rating period is re-calibrated. Only results from the past three years are taken into consideration. Notably, results prior to May 1, 2018 have no impact on the rating method. In the system, results from the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons are given 50 percent weightage, while matches since May 2020 are counted fully.
