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South Africa have ended the International Cricket Council (ICC) year, which runs from April to March, as the leading one-day country in world cricket, edging Australia into second place by the narrowest of margins.

The South Africans will receive $175,000 from the ICC for pipping the Australians. However, Australia get $75,000 for finishing second, and they have also retained their place as the top Test nation.

South Africa overtook Australia thanks to an outstanding late surge, winning 15 out of 21 ODIs ahead of the World Cup as well as three out four in the Caribbean. Australia, by contrast, lost five on the bounce in their lead-in to the tournament. It was the first time any side has overtaken Australia in the ICC’s ODI Championship table since the listings began in October 2002.

“I’m delighted that we are top of the ODI Championship and I think it is a just reward for all the hard work and dedication the guys have shown over the past 18 months or so,” said South Africa’s captain, Graeme Smith.

“That said, although this is very pleasing for us it will not detract us from the immediate job at hand. We are completely focused on the World Cup and we want to do the very best that we can while we are here in the Caribbean,” he added.

But with the table so tight at the top, Australia can get back on top if they continue to perform as they have done so far. If both Australia and South Africa win their remaining Super Eights games, then South Africa will progress to the semifinals as the No 1 ranked ODI team. But if they falter along the way, even once, and Australia remain unbeaten, then Australia will make a rapid return to top spot by the semifinals.
Source:The News