India set to lose No. 1 Test rank and $500,000 prize money

Christchurch, Feb 23: India are set to lose their top Test ranking tomorrow (February 24). Australia need 131 runs to defeat New Zealand and claim the number one spot in ICC Rankings.

Match scorecard

Steve Smith-led Australia, chasing 201 to win the second and final Test against New Zealand in Christchurch, ended the 4th day today (February 23) at 70/1 in 20 overs.

A file picture of Indian players in a Test

Having already won the first Test, Australia can take the number one rank if they seal the series 2-0. Even if the Test ends in a draw tomorrow due to inclement weather, still Australia will be number one. However, if New Zealand win, then India will retain the top spot and Australia will slip to third.

Before the start of the series, Australia were 2nd on the table with 109 rating points. Virat Kohli-led India were on top with 110 points.

If Australia win the series 1-0, then they will finish on 111 points, while a 2-0 win will put them on 112 points. In that scenario, India will be pushed to 2nd.

With no Test to be played till the annual cut-off date April 1 after tomorrow's game (all teams will be at World T20 from March 8 to April 3), the top-ranked side will also receive $ 1 million prize money from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Prize money for top 4 Test sides (cut-off date April 1, 2016)

No. 1 ranked Test side - $1 million

No. 2 - $500,000

No. 3 - $200,000

No. 4 - $100,000

Total - $1.8 million

Test rankings as on February 23, 2016

1. India (110 rating points)

2. Australia (109)

3. South Africa (109)

4. Pakistan (106)

5. England (102)