Dubai: New Zealand are poised to go top of the ICC Test Team Rankings if they can complete a series win over Pakistan, but either of Australia or India could go past them with a series win of their own.
The rating points for teams are calculated on a series-by-series basis, with the rankings updated accordingly at the end of a series. That means that a series win for New Zealand would immediately send them top, with Australia and India not receiving points for their series until it is concluded.
New Zealand end Pakistan defiance for thrilling win in 1st Test#sportslightmedia #fawadalam #kylejammieson #pakistancricket #NZvPAK #newzealandcrickethttps://t.co/0JSOU00jXk
— Sportslight Media (@SportslightMed_) December 30, 2020
A draw in the second Test against Pakistan would send New Zealand to 117 rating points, moving them ahead of Australia by 1 rating point. If Kane Williamson’s side can secure a 2-0 series win then they will move to 118 rating points.
Occupying the No.1 spot could be a fleeting moment for the Kiwis. Regardless of New Zealand’s result against Pakistan, if either India or Australia can win both remaining Test matches in their series, and thus claim a 3-1 series victory, then they will move into pole position with 119 or 121 rating points respectively.
All-round India level series with big victory at Melbourne#sportslightmedia #BoxingDayTest #jaspritbumrah #raviashwin #india #australia #rahane #captain #TeamIndia #TEAMIND #aussie #boxingday #boxingday2020 https://t.co/8MSnL696Lc
— Sportslight Media (@SportslightMed_) December 29, 2020
A 2-1 series win would also be enough for Tim Paine’s side to go top, as they would have 119 rating points. Should New Zealand draw their second Test against Pakistan then a 2-1 result would also be enough for India, but such a result following a New Zealand win would see the Kiwis come out on top by less than one rating point (118.4 v 117.7).
New Zealand move closer to the No.1 spot in the @MRFWorldwide ICC Test Team Rankings with a stirring win over Pakistan! They will confirm their place at the 🔝 if they win the #NZvPAK Test series 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ROwKdXhVfo
— ICC (@ICC) December 30, 2020
A 2-2 draw between India and Australia would leave New Zealand top as long as the Black Caps are able to avoid defeat against Pakistan in Christchurch.
Further down the rankings there’s also potential for change, with South Africa set to leapfrog Sri Lanka to claim the No.5 spot if they can secure a series win following their innings victory at Centurion.
