NZ underdogs do it again

New Zealand have once again pulled their World Cup rabbit out of the hat by beating the tournament hosts South Africa. New Zealand are so far the most improved team of the tournament in the PwC Ratings. Yet they remain a team that is short of consistent individual stars in the one-day game, with Stephen Fleming now their highest rated batsman in 21st place thanks to his century today, while of their bowlers who played at the Wanderers Andre Adams tops the list in 26th place, followed by Shane Bond in 30th.

Barring freak results elsewhere, South Africa now have to win their remaining three games, culminating in the match on March 3rd when they need to overcome Sri Lanka, who boast the current number one PwC batsman and bowler in Jayasuriya and Muralitharan. It will be little consolation to the South Africans that Herschelle Gibbs is now third in the PwC batting table, his best ever level in the ratings.

Meanwhile the favourites, Australia, look unbeatable even without Shane Warne. Gillespie has climbed to fifth in the bowling, his best ODI level to date, with Brett Lee close behind. Matthew Hayden remains the top rated Aussie batsman, just a few points behind Jayasuriya.

More details at: www.cricketratings.com