WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - New Zealand bestowed an honorary No.1 world ranking on India ahead of their meeting Wednesday in the first of two Twenty20 cricket internationals.

Black Caps coach Andy Moles said vast experience should give India the confidence to overcame its reputation as a team that performs poorly away from home, on a tour that also includes three tests and five limited-overs internationals.

While Australia and South Africa and are officially ranked Nos. 1 and 2 in world cricket, Moles said India’s recent form showed they deserved top ranking.

"They have very experienced players and are coached really well," Moles said. "They come (to New Zealand) at a time when it’ll be a good test for us.

"We can’t wait for the series to start because we need to see areas where we need to improve and where we are doing very well.

"The Indians, I believe, are probably the No. 1 side in the world at the moment in all facets and we will need to make sure we are at our best in all components of our game."

India hasn’t won a test series in New Zealand in 41 years and was soundly beaten in two tests when it lasted visited. Cool conditions and seaming wickets have often tested Indian teams but Moles said the current squad had experience to overcome an unfamiliar environment.

"The Indians probably haven’t toured very well in the past but they have put that to bed in the last couple of years and did really well in Australia last year," he said.