New Zealand have lost their top spot on the ICC ODI team rankings after a second straight defeat in the three-match ODI series against Australia. As a result, England, who had lost pole position to New Zealand in May 2021, have regained their place atop the rankings chart. They currently have a rating of 119 with New Zealand on 117 slipping to second.
New Zealand can move to 119 ratings if they win the third and final ODI in Cairns on Sunday but will still be placed second. There was no other movement in the rankings with India, Pakistan and Australia occupying third, fourth and fifth place on the charts respectively.
The Kane Williamson-led New Zealand side came into the ODI series against Australia having won six of their last seven 50-over matches. However, things have gone south for New Zealand in the first two outings.
In the first ODI, defending 232, New Zealand had Australia reeling at 44 for 5 before a 158-run sixth-wicket stand between Alex Carey and Cameron Green helped the hosts recover. New Zealand eventually lost the game by two wickets.
In the second ODI on Thursday, New Zealand found themselves in a far stronger position when bowling first as they had Australia struggling at 54 for 5 and later 117 for 8. However, crucial lower-order runs saw the hosts recover to 195 for 9. The visitors then never really got a hold of the chase, as they crumbled to 82 all out.
Both England and New Zealand next play an ODI series in November after the T20 World Cup.