New Zealand and Pakistan have moved in opposite directions in the ICC Test Team Rankings following the conclusion of their three-Test series in the United Arab Emirates, which the visitors won by 2-1.

New Zealand had started the series on 102 points, ahead of Australia by a fraction of a point, and have now moved to 105 points to consolidate their fourth position. New Zealand now trail third-ranked South Africa by one point.

In contrast, Pakistan had entered in sixth place on 95 points, and have now dropped to seventh position on 92 points, one behind Sri Lanka.

The ICC Test Team Rankings will next be updated at the conclusion of the two-Test series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

If New Zealand win 2-0, they will move to 109 points in second position and Sri Lanka will drop to seventh position on 90 points.

However, if the series result is reversed and Sri Lanka win 2-0, then they will rise to 97 points while retaining sixth place and New Zealand will fall behind Australia in fifth position on 99 points.

Wellington is the venue of the first Test from 15-19 December, while the second and final Test will be played in Christchurch from 26-30 December.