AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 23: Kane Williamson of New Zealand warms up during a New Zealand nets session at Eden Park on March 23, 2015 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

The latest ICC rankings were updated on 3rd May, as New Zealand climbed to top spot in the One Day Internationals (ODI) ratings chart. The adjustment in rankings comes as results from the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons were weighted at 50%, while full weighting was given to matches from the previous 12 months since May 2020.

The ODI rating scored by New Zealand was calculated from 17 matches, starting with the 3-0 series triumph against Sri Lanka, which took place at the start of January 2019. The most recent success was an equally impressive 3-0 ODI series victory against Bangladesh, as the Black Caps continued their impressive ODI form earlier this year in March.

New Zealand top the official ICC rankings with an ODI rating of 121, jumping just ahead of Australia in second at 118, while India and England are tied on 115 in third and fourth spots. The Black Caps had already topped the ICC Test rankings in January this year, with the latest rankings update placing them currently second behind India.

Nevertheless, by the time the end-of-year update has been calculated, New Zealand have a strong chance of being top of the 2021 ICC Test rankings. Following the May rankings update, the Black Caps have a 118 rating, narrowly behind the 120 rating which places India at the top of the latest Test charts.

New Zealand cricket management are likely to be incredibly pleased with the performance of their teams. The only area of improvement in regard to ICC rankings is T20 cricket performance, although the Black Caps do have an ideal opportunity to perch themselves top of the end-of-year rankings.

Despite not being the favourites heading into the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, due to be held in India from 18th October to 15th November, New Zealand are priced at 9.00 in the cricket betting odds to win the tournament. India will be the team to beat at 3.25 odds, with England at 5.00 and Australia at 6.00 as the strongest challengers, while Pakistan are also at 9.00 odds.

Given that New Zealand are currently third in the latest official ICC T20 team rankings, with a rating of 263, the recent 3-2 T20 series win against Australia has helped them climb the charts. Narrowly behind the 272 rating for India in second spot, England have a T20 rating of 277 to top the charts. Further winning form at the T20 World Cup would boost the Black Caps' rating.

If they can perform better than both India and England at the T20 World Cup this year, New Zealand would be able to leapfrog both rivals to top the end-of-year ICC T20 rankings. For the first time, that puts the Black Caps in with a genuine chance of topping all three official ICC men’s team rankings, providing the honour of achieving a unique triple crown.