(REUTERS) - South Africa have moved to the top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) one-day rankings for the first time in five years, the Proteas climbing above Australia following their 2-0 series win in New Zealand.

The last time South Africa headed the ODI rankings was in September 2009 but they slipped down the standings after their first-round elimination from the ICC Champions Trophy at home later that month.

South Africa trailed Australia by one point before the three-match ODI series against New Zealand and though the third and final match in Hamilton was washed out on Monday, the 2-0 result was enough to take them up to the top of the table.

The lead ranking comes as a welcome boost for the side ahead of the 50-over World Cup being held in Australia and New Zealand early next year.

Reigning world champions India are in third spot, while 2011 runner-up Sri Lanka are next with four points separating the top four nations.

South Africa captain A.B. de Villiers also retained top spot in the batting rankings with team-mate Hashim Amla overtaking India's Virat Kohli to claim second.