“This is a fantastic achievement by Graeme Smith and the Proteas, and all eyes are now focused on beating Australia in the upcoming Castle Tests here to take the top spot in test cricket as well”, said Majola.
“This would be an awesome start to the beginning of this season, coming on top of the Proteas recording their best-ever season in 2008.”
The ICC announced Tuesday that on the current schedule of ODI's, no other side can match South Africa and with the Proteas themselves not playing any ODIs before 1 April, they will not be budging from the top rating they currently enjoy.
Prior to today's match between New Zealand and Australia in Adelaide, only the Black Caps could possibly have overtaken the Proteas on the table before 1 April. But their defeat means that even if they were to win the remaining ODI in this series and then beat India 5-0 next month, they would still fall short of South Africa's current rating of 125.
The Reliance Mobile ICC ODI Championship shield carries with it a US$175 000 prize. The shield will be presented to the Proteas next month.
