R4m windfall for Proteas

Cape Town - South Africa are set to pocket $450 000 (R4 million) after they guaranteed the No 1 position in the ICC Test Championship beyond the April 1 cut-off date for prize money to be awarded in 2013.

GALLERY: Proteas v Pakistan, second Test at Newlands

The Proteas' four-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second Test at Newlands on Sunday means they now cannot be caught at the top of the rankings by nearest rivals England, who are in New Zealand, or Australia, who are touring India.

The prize money is a significant increase from previous years, when $175 000 was given the teams topping the Test or ODI championship table.

While South Africa have sealed the No 1 spot, the battle for second, third and fourth positions is still alive with 13 points separating second-ranked England from fifth-ranked India.

The nation that claims second position at the cut-off date will pick up $350 000, while the team finishing third will collect $250 000 and fourth takes home $150 000.