Published: Jan 31, 2016, 03:21 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 31, 2016, 03:21 PM (IST)
New Zealand climb to third place in the ICC One-Day International (ODI) rankings after their series win over Pakistan. New Zealand won the third and final ODI against Pakistan by three wickets and therefore secured a 2-0 series win. The series is a morale booster for New Zealand , who take on Australia in a three-match ODI series, beginning Wednesday, which will be followed by a two-match Test series as well. Brendon McCullum returned to the side after missing nearly a month of action He will lead New Zealand in the series against Australia. The ODI and the Test series are the two final series McCullum will be a part of as he will retire after that. Full Scorecard: Pakistan vs New Zealand 2015-16, 3rd ODI at Auckland
Australia are currently placed at No. 1 and below them are India with128 and 113 ranking points respectively. New Zealand have the same amount of ranking points as fourth placed South Africa , but have a slight edge over the Proteas. New Zealand can consolidate their position with a series win against their neighbours. However, it will be tough as Australia were in rampant form in 2015, the year in which they won the World Cup as well. FULL UPDATES: Pakistan vs New Zealand 2015-16, 3rd ODI at Auckland
New Zealand will look to continue their rampant form at home, where they have already won the series against Sri Lanka and now a series win against Pakistan as well. New Zealand will look to add to their tally, but will have their work cut out as Australia will go all guns blazing to regain the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.
