India topple New Zealand to become No.1 Test team in ICC rankings
New Zealand have slipped to the second position.
India registered a thumping victory against New Zealand in the Mumbai Test to clinch the series 1-0. After this victory, India has secured the first position in the latest ICC Test rankings. The side previously had 119 points but now they have 124 points to their account having won the series. New Zealand, on the other hand, lost three points and are now sitting at second place with 121 points.
The win over the Kiwis exuded India’s dominance in the home series. India registered their 14th consecutive Test series win at home by dominating the proceedings in the Mumbai Test match. In the current year, Team India has secured victories in four matches and lost only one against England at home whereas one match resulted in a draw.
India outplayed New Zealand in the Mumbai Test
The hosts won the second and the final Test match by 372 runs and won the series 1-0. On the fourth day of the Test match, India’s bowlers displayed their sheer flair to dominate the opposition. New Zealand required 400 runs to win the match and had five wickets in their hand.
However, Jayant Yadav ran through the visitors’ batting unit and clinched four wickets to enable India to take command of the game. For New Zealand Henry Nicholls (44) tried to hold the fort of the side but his efforts eventually went in vain as no other batter could provide enough resistance for the team.
Thus, India skipper Virat Kohli heaped praises on the players for their clinical performance. He also added that the pitch had enough bounce that enabled the pacers as well to chime in and make an impact on the game.
“To come back with a win again, it’s a great feeling and a clinical performance. The first Test was good, and it was a clinical performance here. We discussed the performance and the opposition played out a good draw. The bowlers tried all their best, but the Kiwi batsmen stuck it out really well in Kanpur. Here there was more bounce and the fast bowlers got assistance as well, so it gave us a better chance to win,” Kohli said after the win.
Latest ICC Test Rankings:
| Team | Points |
| India | 124 |
| New Zealand | 121 |
| Australia | 108 |
| England | 107 |
| Pakistan | 92 |
| South Africa | 88 |
| Sri Lanka | 83 |
| West Indies | 75 |
| Bangladesh | 49 |
| Zimbabwe | 31 |
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