Imran Tahir has returned into the top two of the ICC player rankings for ODI bowlers while South Africa has benefited the most following its 2-1 success over New Zealand in the just-concluded series.

The Proteas have claimed third position on the ICC ODI Rankings, swapping places with the Black Caps who are now fourth. In the series between the third and fourth-ranked sides, South Africa had started on 109 points as compared to New Zealand’s 110 points. However, the 2-1 series win means South Africa has moved to third on 110 points while New Zealand has dropped to fourth on 109 points.

India are second on 115 points.

Tahir, who started the series in fifth spot, has returned to the top three in second place after rising three places following his five wickets in the series. While forcing his way up the order, Tahir has pushed his teammate Dale Steyn into fifth position (down by one spot).

New Zealand’s Adam Milne and David Wiese, who also finished with Imran Tahir as the joint-leading wicket-takers, have made impressive gains. Milne has vaulted 30 places to 43rd in the latest rankings, which were released on Thursday, while Wiese has entered in 232nd spot.

AB de Villiers has retained his No 1 position on the ODI table for batsmen but third-ranked Hashim Amla has reduced the gap from 83 points to 45 following his series contribution of 176 runs as compared to De Villiers’ 104 in three matches.

ICC ODI bowler rankings

Rank	(+/-)	Player	Team	Points	Average
1	(-)	Mitchell Starc	Aus	783	18.33
2	(+3)	Imran Tahir	SA	723	21.67
3	(-)	Sunil Narine	WI	709	26.49
4	(-2)	Trent Boult	NZ	705	24.08
5	(-1)	Dale Steyn	SA	694	25.89