New Zealand have been given an added incentive to win their limited-overs series with world champions Australia.

The Black Caps are 1-0 up in the three-match series after winning in Melbourne on Sunday and victory in Wednesday's second match in Sydney would see them secure the inaugural Chappell-Hadlee trophy.

Stephen Fleming's side have also got their sights on replacing Australia at the top of the one-day rankings ahead of next year's series against the World XI.

The three-game series is due to be played in Australia in October along with a six-day Test against the World XI.

As the number one ranked team in both forms of the game, Australia had seemed certain to play in both games but a series loss against the Kiwis could jeopardise their chances of playing in the one-dayers.

New Zealand are currently third in the rankings but would climb to second by beating Australia and have a mathematical chance of reaching number one if they can win their next two series' at home to Sri Lanka and Australia.

"I guess if we play well it's a real prospect. It would be magical," Fleming said.

However Australia captain Ricky Ponting said he was confident his team would hang on to their top place.

"If we play the brand of cricket we can play then (making the series) will look after itself," he said.