Dubai: South Africa have moved to the top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) one-day rankings for the first time in five years, the Proteas climbing above Australia following their 2-0 series win in New Zealand.
The last time South Africa headed the ODI rankings was in September 2009, but they slipped down the standings after their first round elimination from the ICC Champions Trophy at home later that month.
South Africa trailed Australia by one point before the three-match ODI series against New Zealand and though the third and final match in Hamilton was washed out on Monday, the 2-0 result was enough to take them up to the top of the table.
The No. 1 ranking comes as a welcome boost for the side ahead of the 50-over World Cup being held in Australia and New Zealand early next year.
Reigning world champions India are in third spot while 2011 runner-up Sri Lanka are next with four points separating the top four nations.
South Africa captain AB de Villiers also retained the top spot in the batting rankings with teammate Hashim Amla overtaking India’s Virat Kohli to claim second.
Kohli, who dropped a place, will get a chance to move up the order when he takes the field against Sri Lanka in a five-match series starting on November 2 as only two points separate the second and third-ranked batsmen.
The biggest mover was 33-year-old New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Ronchi, who has risen 52 places to 62nd after his impressive showing against South Africa.
