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Johannesburg - AB de Villiers' outstanding form of the past season in which he scored four ODI centuries including three in successive matches against India and the West Indies, has earned him the ultimate individual award.
He is now ranked the top batsman in the world on the Reliance Mobile ICC ODI rankings and the only one with more than 800 rankings points.
De Villiers earned the man of the match award for his brilliant century against England in the MTN ODI at Sahara Park Newlands and then made back-to-back centuries against India at Gwalior and Ahmedabad, followed by another century in his next match against the West Indies at Antigua.
He averaged 70 in the series against the West Indies and 241 against India. He is the only batsman with an average of more than 100 (104) in the current calendar year.
De Villiers is currently out of action, having undergone successful ankle surgery in the off-season, but he has still swopped places with the former No 1, Indian captain MS Dhoni, as a result of the recent triangular series between India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
Hashim Amla remains fourth spot but he is now tied with Sri Lanka's Tillekeratne Dilshan. Jacques Kallis is the other South African in the top ten at seventh.
Graeme Smith (13) and Herschelle Gibbs (18) complete a strong Proteas' representation in the top 20.
"I am thrilled and proud to get this accolade," commented De Villiers.
"My ultimate aim is always to do well for the team and to help the Proteas to win trophies but it is nice to be acknowledged in this way.
"I would like to improve my Test ranking as well. Two years ago I said I wanted to be the best batsman in the world and it is pleasing to see that I am starting to get results."
De Villiers will join the Proteas' conditioning camp in George Monday although his activities will be limited by the rehabilitation from his ankle surgery.
"It is coming on nicely," he said, "and I can't wait to pick up my cricket bat again."
