South Africa got the perfect send-off to the ICC Cricket World Cup on Wednesday when its captain Graeme Smith was presented with the ICC ODI Championship Shield following the Proteas' move to the top of the LG ICC ODI Championship table, the only official team rankings in that form of the game.

Smith's side assumed first place from Australia earlier this month following an outstanding run of results over the past year, which has seen the team win 15 of its past 21 matches, including seven of the last eight it has completed.

It is the first time a side has overtaken Australia in the LG ICC ODI Championship table since the listings began in October 2002.

And if South Africa is still top on 1 April it will win US$175,000 for being there; the side that is placed second at that time will pick up US$75,000.

The shield was presented to Smith in Johannesburg by a representative of the Championship's sponsor, LG Electronics, as the Proteas prepared to fly to the Caribbean for a tilt at the ICC Cricket World Cup, a prize that has eluded the side since its return to international cricket just over 15 years ago.

Commenting on South Africa's receipt of the ICC ODI Championship Shield, Smith said: "This a great honour and a deserved reward for all the hard work the team has put in over the past 18 months.

"However, heading the log at this stage will not change our focus on the job at hand over the next two months in the Caribbean."

Gerald Majola, the Chief Executive Officer of Cricket South Africa, said: "This is an outstanding achievement by the Proteas under the leadership of Graeme Smith.

"The Proteas have had an extraordinary run of form over the past 12 months. This includes a 3-2 series win over Australia, sealed by scoring a then world-record 438-9 as well as seven wins from their last eight completed matches.

"Now all eyes are on the (ICC Cricket) World Cup, and the players are quietly confident that their teamwork will stand them in good stead throughout the tournament."

John Shaw, the Marketing Director for LG Electronics South Africa, joked: "Since the LG ICC (ODI team) Rankings were introduced in 2002, it has been that other southern hemisphere country (Australia) that has topped the rankings and held the ODI Shield."

He added: "After the past two brilliant seasons, I'm one of millions of South Africans that was extremely proud and delighted when you (Graham) and the Proteas succeeded in toppling the Aussies from first place.

"From LG Electronics, sponsors of the LG ICC Rankings, our warmest congratulations. And as Global Partners of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, we wish you all the best in the Caribbean."

South Africa's opening match in the ICC Cricket World Cup is on 16 March when it plays the Netherlands at Warner Park in St Kitts and Nevis.

For more information on the LG ICC ODI Championship, please go to:

About the Shield:

The ICC ODI Championship Shield was produced in late 2002 by Australian firm Flynn Silver, which is based in Kyneton, Victoria. The shield is circular in shape and weighs approximately six kilograms.

Given the brief to produce a trophy inspired by the excitement and drama of ODI cricket, Flynn Silver produced the gold and silver-plated shield that uses as its centrepiece an image of a famous catch taken by South Africa's Jonty Rhodes (dismissing Robert Croft of England during a ODI at Edgbaston in 1998).

The figure, sculpted in sterling silver, is triumphantly capturing a 1.5 carat Argyle diamond that represents the white ball of the ODI game.

This theme of the ball is also created on the rim of the ICC ODI Championship Shield with 14 cast sterling silver cricket balls representing 11 players and three umpires while a glimpse of traditional red leather separates the 24 carat gold and silver-plated dishes.

Flynn Silver was founded in 1946 and pieces produced by the company now reside in Buckingham Palace, the White House and in the homes of many of world's most distinguished state and corporate leaders.

Flynn Silver has produced many cricket trophies in recent years including the Pura Cup, the prize for the winners of Australia's domestic first-class competition. More details of the company can be found at http://www.flynnsilver.com.au/