Cricket: NZ climb to second in ODI rankings

The Blacks Caps have taken second place in the one-day international rankings from South Africa.



Victory in the Asia Cup has lifted Sri Lanka to third place in the annual update, but they did not quite do enough to jump above New Zealand.



South Africa slid down the table following disappointing results in last year's ICC Cricket World Cup and a heavy series defeat in New Zealand.



Sri Lanka will, however, have a chance to climb to second when it takes on South Africa at home over the coming weeks, the ICC said.



New Zealand's ascent caps a remarkable improvement since the start of the year during which it has climbed from eighth position. Following strong performances at home, the Black Caps won the NatWest Series against England and the West Indies in England.



Australia remain top of the table, holding a comfortable 20-point cushion.



The updated ICC ODI Championship table:



(Position, country, rating)

1 Australia 137

2 New Zealand 117

3 Sri Lanka 116

4 South Africa 110

5 India 106

6 Pakistan 104

7 West Indies 101

8 England 99

9 Zimbabwe 61

10 Kenya 28

11 Bangladesh 0



ICC