09 January 2005	Sunday	27 Ziqa'ad 1425

AUCKLAND, Jan 8: After the disappointment of cancelled Sri Lankan tour, New Zealand Cricket finally had something to smile about after Black Caps finished 2004 with best one-day record in international cricket.

New Zealand's 82 percent win-loss ratio puts it ahead of Australia after winning 19 ODIs and losing only four with two games ending without a result.

NZC chief executive Martin Snedden said success under coach John Bracewell was a deserved result for the team which had also moved Into second place behind Australia in official International Cricket Council ODI rankings after its win over Sri Lanka at Eden Park on Boxing Day.

The rankings are taken over several years after a full round of international tours.

The past year included a 4-1 win over Pakistan, a 5-1 win over South Africa, a 5-0 win over England and West Indies in NatWest Trophy, a 3-0 win over Bangladesh in Bangladesh, a drawn Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series against Australia and one win over Sri Lanka.

"It is very difficult to achieve a win-rate of 80%, particularly with closeness of the teams at this level."

Snedden was glad to report happy tidings after India declined a request to fill in for Sri Lanka's postponed tour this month, leaving NZC with precious few remaining options.

The last-ditch effort to salvage first half of summer's international programme now rests mainly on the hope that NZC and players' association can entice a World 11 to New Zealand later in the month.

However, a proposed three-match limited-over series would be an expensive exercise for NZC, which would have to fly players from all over the world, as well as pay match fees and bonuses for both teams.

In usual circumstances, host board pays only its own team's match fees and doesn't havecosts of flying touring party into the country.

NZC chief executive Martin Snedden said adequate financial backing was critical if the top-level players were to be persuaded to drop everything at a moment's notice and head to New Zealand. -PPI