Despite losing to New Zealand by seven wickets in the opening ODI of the three-match series on Friday in Auckland, India remained in first place in the Cricket World Cup Super League (CWCSL) standings.
India reached 306/7 in 50 overs thanks to strong fifty-plus scores from Shubman Gill (50), Shikhar Dhawan (72) and Shreyas Iyer (80), as well as a standout cameo from Washington Sundar (37).
In response, New Zealand defeated India with their second-highest chase in men's ODI cricket thanks to the outstanding performances of Tom Latham (145 not out off 104) and Kane Williamson (94 not out off 98), as well as their unbroken fourth-wicket stand worth 221 runs.
New Zealand earned 10 CWCSL points for their remarkable victory, moving them up two slots in the standings from sixth to fourth. They are currently equal with Australia on 120 points, however they lag behind their neighbours in terms of net run rate.
India, on the other hand, is in first place with 129 points and will qualify for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 automatically because they are the tournament hosts.
New Zealand would move up to the top of the CWCSL standings with a victory in the second ODI on Sunday in Hamilton.
It's noteworthy that a total of eight teams will receive direct access into the 2023 Cricket World Cup. Five associate teams will compete against the remaining teams in the Men's World Cup Qualifier. Then, two teams from the qualifying competition will advance to the World Cup.