Christchurch: New Zealand for the first time in history, seized the number one position in the ICC Test rankings after wiping out Pakistan by an innings and 176 runs in the second Test in Christchurch on Wednesday (January 6).
The home series-levelling triumph, framed by captain Kane Williamson’s double century, elbowed the Kiwis to top of the table as they became the sixth country in the past 10 years to be graded number one in Test cricket.
“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.
A huge victory in the second Test has propelled New Zealand to the No.1 spot in the @MRFWorldwide ICC Test Team Rankings 🙌#NZvPAK report ⬇️
— ICC (@ICC) January 6, 2021
All over, they are the seventh side in the world to hold the number one spot. New Zealand came close to outstretch the summit in the last couple of years but stayed second on the table. They now have 118 points, two more than Australia and four clear of third-placed India.
🇳🇿 NEW ZEALAND ARE NO.1️⃣🎉
Victory over Pakistan has sent Kane Williamson's side to the 🔝 of the @MRFWorldwide ICC Test Team Rankings!
They have achieved the feat for the first time in rankings history 👏 pic.twitter.com/8lKm6HebtO
— ICC (@ICC) January 6, 2021
England (106) and South Africa (96) finish at the top-five. Williamson combined his top spot in the batting list. Recently, he had skipped India skipper Virat Kohli and Australian top-order batsman Steve Smith with three centuries, including two double centuries in his last six innings.
New Zealand are also moving closer to the top two spots in the ICC World Test Championship rankings. They are still third with 70 (PCT) percentage points but are narrowing the gap with Australia (76.7) and India (72.2).
