DUBAI, Jan 1: New Zealand successfully defended their third place in the ICC ODI Championship by defeating Bangladesh 3-0 in the one-day series that concluded on Monday in Queenstown.

The Black Caps went into series knowing that only by winning all three matches could it avoid slipping behind India into fourth place. They won opener in Auckland by six wickets, sealed series in Napier by 102 runs before wrapping up series in Queenstown where it won by 10 wickets with 264 balls to spare.

Given weighting of different positions in the championship table, series win did not earn any ratings point for New Zealand and they still lead fourth-placed India by just two points. In contrast, Bangladesh lost just one ratings point with their lead over 10th-placed Ireland cut down to 19 ratings points.

Australia remains front-runners in the championship with 130 points leading second placed South Africa by six ratings points. Irrespective of South Africa’s one-day series result against West Indies starting at Centurion from Jan 20, Australia will go into their tri-series with India and Sri Lanka on Feb 3 in top slot.

However, middle of the table is extremely congested as only five ratings points separate third-paced New Zealand from England in seventh position. The eighth-placed West Indies are only another seven points further back. With Pakistan, West Indies, India and Sri Lanka involved in ODIs over next couple of months, plenty of reshuffling is expected in the championship table.

ICC ODI Championship tables (as of Dec 31):1. Australia 130 points, 2. South Africa 124; 3. New Zealand 112; 4. India 110; 5. Sri Lanka 108; 6. Pakistan 107; 7. England 107; 8. West Indies 100; 9. Bangladesh 47; 10. Ireland 28; 11. Zimbabwe 20; 12. Kenya 0.—Agencies