New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: Hosts set to slump in ODI rankings if they don’t win 3-0

New Zealand recently found themselves pipping South Africa to become the third-best team in the world in Tests, thanks to their two consecutive series wins over Pakistan and Sri Lanka, but the 2015 World Cup runners-up could see the Proteas avenging their ‘loss’ in the longer format in the 50-over format if the Black Caps do not win their all three games against Sri Lanka in the upcoming series at home starting January 3.

Black Caps just a point ahead of the Proteas in ODIs

The Black Caps are currently ranked third in the ODIs with 112 points and will slip to 111 points if they beat the Lankans by a 2-1 margin. Only a 3-0 win will see them go to 113 points and maintain their lead. South Africa are now ranked fourth with 111 points, breathing down the Kiwis’ neck. South Africa will play Pakistan in a five-match ODI series later this month.

New Zealand have had a fantastic run in the Tests in the recent past, winning four consecutive series against the Windies, England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. While three of these victories came on home turf, the win against Pakistan came in an away series and after almost 50 years. Former world champions Sri Lanka are going through a lean phase and even a 3-0 win for the eighth-ranked team will not take them past Bangladesh, the seventh rank-holder who are more than 10 ratings better than the Islanders at the moment.

In the ODI players’ rankings, experienced New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor is currently ranked third and would be looking to get closer to the top two rank-holders – India’s Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma who are at least 63 ratings ahead of them at the moment. Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson (10th) and Martin Guptill (14th), who recently made a comeback, are the two other leading rank-holders for the hosts.

In the bowlers’ list, Trent Boult is the best New Zealander holding the eighth rank while Tim Southee, his new-ball partner, the 35th position.

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