South Africa remain on top in ODI rankings after 5-0 rout of Sri Lanka

Speaking ahead of the team’s departure for New Zealand on Saturday, De Villiers said South Africa were keen to avenge their defeat by the Black Caps in a dramatic 2015 World Cup semi-final which was marked by controversy over South Africa’s team selection.

The Proteas brought in Vernon Philander for fellow fast bowler Kyle Abbott in that game, a decision made, it was claimed, to ensure four players of colour in the starting XI. South Africa will travel as the world’s leading oneday team after completing a 5-0 clean sweep against Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park on Friday. 

Hashim Amla made a sparkling 154 and his opening partner Quinton de Kock a rapid 109 in a batting blitz that earned South Africa an 88-run victory over Sri Lanka. 

In less than a week they will play a one-off Twenty20 international in Auckland next Friday, with the first of five one-day internationals in Hamilton two days later. De Villiers said the number one ranking gave the team confidence but also put pressure on the players. 

“Being the number one team in the world people expect you to play a certain level of cricket all the time,” he said. “But with the team ethic we have at the moment I think we’ll thrive under that kind of pressure. It definitely gives you confidence as well. There’s a reason why we’re number one and that’s because we’re playing good cricket,” he added.

“We’ve got a bit of unfinished business there from the 2015 World Cup and we’re very keen to play good cricket against a team that has also been playing well.” De Villiers said he expected a tough challenge. 

“New Zealand are a streetsmart team and they find ways to compete but we have a decent record there. The last few tours we have been there we have played really good cricket.”