New Zealand grabbed the primary place within the ICC Test rankings for the primary time in historical past after decimating Pakistan by an innings and 176 runs within the second Test in Christchurch, on Wednesday.
The comfy series-clinching victory, formed by captain Kane Williamson’s double century, pushed the Kiwis to prime of the heap as they turned the sixth nation previously 10 years to be ranked primary in Test cricket.
🇳🇿 NEW ZEALAND ARE NO.1️⃣🎉
Victory over Pakistan has despatched Kane Williamson’s facet to the 🔝 of the @MRFWorldvast ICC Test Team Rankings!
They have achieved the feat for the primary time in rankings historical past 👏 pic.twitter.com/8lKm6HebtO
— ICC (@ICC) January 6, 2021
“A huge victory in the second Test has propelled New Zealand to the No.1 spot in the @MRFWorldwide ICC Test Team Rankings,” the ICC tweeted.
Overall, they’re the seventh facet on the planet to carry the primary spot. New Zealand got here near reaching the summit within the final couple of years however stayed second on the desk.
READ | Can Kane Williamson catch Virat Kohli in hundred depend?
They now have 118 factors, two greater than Australia and 4 away from third-placed India. England (106) and South Africa (96) full the top-five.
Williamson consolidated his prime spot within the batting record. He had just lately leapfrogged India captain Virat Kohli and Australian star Steve Smith with three centuries, together with two double centuries, in his final six innings.
The Black Caps are additionally inching nearer to the highest two spots within the ICC World Test Championship standings. They are nonetheless third with 70 (PCT) share factors however are narrowing the hole with Australia (76.7) and India (72.2).
