India crush New Zealand to reclaim top ranking

Hosts defeat Black Caps by 178 runs in second of three-match Test series in Kolkata

India defeated New Zealand in the second Test of the three-match series by 178 runs and cemented their spot at the top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings.

According to a press release by the ICC, The team rankings will be updated at the conclusion of the ongoing series. India’s number one position is guaranteed irrespective of how the third and final Test against the Kiwis will result in Indore, which will be played from October 8-12.

Virat Kohli’s side had entered the series against New Zealand trailing Pakistan by one point and needed to win the series to reclaim the number-one ranking for the fourth time since the current rankings system was introduced in 2003.

The host achieved the target in style on Monday, when the Black Caps were dismissed for 178 runs in the fourth innings, chasing a target of 376 to level the series.

Virat Kohli’s men won the first Test in Kanpur by 197 runs and then dominated the Kolkata Test to romp home with nearly a day to spare.

India have previously been at the top of the table from November 2009 to August 2011, and then briefly during January-February 2016 and in August 2016.

India’s achievement will see them being presented the ICC Test Championship mace, details of which will be announced in due course.

Their next challenge will be to put the number-one ranking beyond Pakistan’s reach, and this will only be possible if they win or draw the Indore Test.

If India win 3-0, they will finish on 115 points; and on 113 points in case of a 2-0 series win. Either of the result means that even if Pakistan whitewash the West Indies in the upcoming Test series, they will be able to overhaul India as the highest points they can collect are 112.

However, if New Zealand earn a consolation victory, India will then finish on 111 points, which, in turn, will give Pakistan a chance to reclaim the number-one ranking and the mace.

Pakistan go head to head with the West Indies from October 12 in the first Test at the Dubai Sports City. This will be the first time the two sides as well as the venue will host a day/night Test.