IND vs NZ: The three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand has reached an exciting turn. Team India has taken a 1-0 lead in the series by winning the first ODI played in Vadodara. Now the second match will be played on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), which is not only important from the series point of view, but is also considered very important from the point of view of strengthening India’s dominance in the ICC ODI rankings.
Since the Champions Trophy, India has been in great form in ODI cricket and is occupying the number 1 position in the ICC ODI rankings. This series against New Zealand is an opportunity for India to maintain its top position, while the Kiwi team will also be eyeing to climb up the rankings.
ICC’s ODI rankings are not just a numbers game, but it also affects teams’ consistency, performance in big matches and seeding in future tournaments. Especially before events like World Cup and Champions Trophy, the importance of ranking increases. In such a situation, a series like India-New Zealand can directly change the global equation.
The biggest surprise of this ranking is that the two-time ODI World Cup winning team West Indies is now not only in the top-5 but has also slipped far behind in the race for the top positions. The condition of the Caribbean team which once ruled ODI cricket has become a matter of concern for cricket experts. West Indies are now ranked 9th due to continued inconsistent performances and limited international success.
According to the latest ICC ODI rankings (January 11, 2025), the list of top-10 teams is as follows:
It is clear from this list that India remains at the top on the basis of its consistently excellent performance, while Australia and Pakistan are also giving tough competition. New Zealand is currently in second place and a good performance in this series against India can take it closer to the top-1. At the third position is the 2023 ODI World Cup winning team Australia. Pakistan and Sri Lanka are at fourth and fifth positions respectively.
The second ODI to be held in Rajkot is not only an opportunity for India to win the series, but it is also a golden opportunity to further strengthen its lead in the ICC rankings. Team India is playing with great balance under the leadership of captain Shubman Gill. The combination of experience and youthful enthusiasm in batting, while the impact of pace attack in bowling – this is India’s strength.
For New Zealand, this match will be like ‘do or die’. In case of defeat, not only will the series be lost, but the ranking may also suffer.
The second ODI is not just a match but also a battle for ranking. If India wins this match, then its number-1 position in ODI cricket will become stronger and if it loses, New Zealand will become stronger, due to which they can overtake Team India and take the number-1 crown. At the same time, the exclusion of a great team like West Indies from the top-5 shows that in international cricket, not only the history but the current performance is the real identity.
