South Africa set for ranking windfall after Pakistan win

South Africa's players congratulate teammate Jacques Kallis (3rd L) after the dismissal of Pakistan's batsman Azhar Ali during the third day of their first test cricket match in Johannesburg, February 3, 2013.

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa are set to pocket $450,000 after they guaranteed the number one position in the ICC Test Championship beyond the April 1 cut-off date for prize money to be awarded in 2013.

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 one-day international championship table.

While South Africa have sealed the number one 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.

(Reporting by Nick Said in Cape Town; Editing by John O'Brien)