The BLACKCAPS have claimed a guaranteed place in this year’s ICC Champions Trophy in India.
The top six nations in the ICC One-Day International Championship earn an automatic place in the eight-nation tournament, with the next four entering a preliminary play-off.
Eight wins in 11 home ODI matches this season, against Australia in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy and National Bank Series against Sri Lanka and the West Indies, have confirmed the BLACKCAPS in fourth place.
However, the Kiwis require England to avoid defeat in their two ODI matches in India before the April 1 cut-off date to retain fourth place.
Bangladesh’s defeat of Kenya ensured a top-10 position and the final play-off place.
Bangladesh will now play in the preliminary round alongside Sri Lanka, reigning champion West Indies and Zimbabwe.
The top two sides from that first round-robin stage will then go forward to join the top six.
Details of the draw for the ICC Champions Trophy 2006 will be released after the final placings are decided.
LG ICC ODI Championship
After third match of Bangladesh v Kenya series)
1 Australia 132
2 South Africa119
3 Pakistan 114
4 New Zealand 113
5 India 113
6 England 108
7 Sri Lanka105
8 West Indies 89
9 Zimbabwe 42
10 Bangladesh 23
11 Kenya 12
