The country have enjoyed a comfortable lead in the overall standings following recent tournament successes, but they have seen only a small increase in points from the end of last month having moved from 5,669 to 5,699.

Second place is unchanged with the United States remaining on 4,928 points, with South Korea completing the top three on 4,849.

The end of year rankings were announced after the conclusion of the Under-12 Asia Championship, which was the final competition of the 2016 international calendar.

A total of 60 of the 70 countries on the list have moved up or down throughout the duration of the year, with the WBSC claiming this highlights the growing popularity of events and development within nations.

“These world rankings reflect a very healthy movement and an unprecedented interest in baseball at the international level, among fans, broadcasters, media and the players themselves, highlighting the ongoing development drive and evolution within our sport,” said Riccardo Fraccari, WBSC President.

The rankings weigh a country’s complete national team results from Under-12 to professional international competitions over a four-year period.

Serbia were the nation with the largest ascent in 2016, having risen 20 places to 51^st place in the world from previously being unranked.

South Africa also enjoyed a sharp rise as the best African team moved up 12 places to 28^th, with Poland and Estonia moving up the same number of places to 40^th and 54^th respectively.

The top 12 places on the rankings will prove key in 2018, with the nations occupying those spots being granted qualification to the WBSC’s flagship Premier12 2019.

The tournament will act as the main qualifier for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Three WBSC World Championship events will be held in 2017, with the World Baseball Classic set to offer the highest number of ranking points.