Sport

Black Caps improve in ICC rankings

12:42 pm on 5 March 2015

The Black Caps' undefeated start to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand has resulted in plenty of movement in the latest International Cricket Council rankings.

The Black Caps bowler Tim Southee bowling during the Cricket World Cup match between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Batsman Brendan McCullum, bowlers Tim Southee and Trent Boult and the team have all improved their rankings.

McCullum jumped 10 places to 18th in the batting rankings following his 207 runs in four matches so far.

The batting table is headed by South Africa captain AB de Villiers, just ahead of Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara and team-mate Hashim Amla.

Kane Williamson is the top-ranked New Zealander in sixth spot.

In the bowler rankings, the Black Caps fast bowling pair of Tim Southee and Trent Boult have made significant gains in the latest rankings.

Southee is the leading bowler of the tournament with 13 wickets, which has helped him jump 10 places to 12th, while Boult's 10 wickets to date has put him in a career-high 24th place after a rise of 23 places.

Spinner Daniel Vettori has summed up an excellent first couple of weeks for New Zealand by grabbing eight wickets, which has earned him five places and 9th spot in the latest rankings.

Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal is the top-ranked bowler.

Following New Zealand's four wins in as many matches and England's three defeats in four matches, the two sides have swapped places on the ODI team rankings.

New Zealand is now fifth, just one ratings point behind Sri Lanka, while England is now sixth, eight rating points ahead of Pakistan.

Australia continues to lead the field with 120 ratings points, while world champion India is second, four ratings points behind. South Africa, on 113 ratings points, is third.