Bangalore: In a series of seven One-day International matches against India starting on December 26, New Zealand has its first opportunity to boost its position in the International Cricket Council (ICC) ODI Championship since the table was launched at the end of October 2002, according to an official press release.

New Zealand is currently eight points behind its nearest rival West Indies and will have to win the majority of the seven games against India to move up the table. A strong start to the series of matches is vital to closing the gap on West Indies and England.

If New Zealand can pull off a 6-1 victory, India would drop below its host and the Black Caps could jump to as high as fifth in the table, the release said.

India's recent 4-3 defeat in seven home ODIs against West Indies caused its rating to fall and put daylight between it and the top four sides on the table.

Saurav Ganguly's team will be looking to narrow this gap before the World Cup 2003 begins in South Africa in February.

If India dominates the series it will climb back into contention with the top four. But it will need to win all seven games to guarantee nicking fourth spot from Sri Lanka ahead of the World Cup.

The New Zealand v India ODI series will be refereed by Ranjan Madugalle with Asoka de Silva from the Emirates elite panel of umpires standing in the first four matches and Daryl Harper in the last three, the official ICC release added.

ICC ODI Championship Table

Extras:
ICC One-day Championship Table
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