Saturday, March 19, 2011

Smith keeps expectations in check


Graeme Smith is not thinking about reaching the ICC Cricket World Cup final just yet, but hopes to make a steady progress after knocking Bangladesh out of the tournament.
South Africa retained top spot in Group B after skittling out Bangladesh for a paltry 78 in a hugely one-sided contest that saw the Proteas pile on 284 for eight from their 50 overs.
The Proteas rested Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel for the game, but their replacements put up a great show to bring up the massive victory.
Left-arm spinner Robin Peterson claimed four wickets as the Proteas attack ripped through the Bangladesh order, while the recalled Lonwabo Tsotsobe picked up three early wickets to trigger the collapse.
Smith believes his bowlers have put South Africa on a good position in the tournament and singled out Tsotsobe and Peterson for special praise.
"We got to take a step at a time and with a bit of luck we shall get there (to the final)," Smith said.
"We gave a few guys an extra two days to rest. It was exciting to see the new guys coming in and doing so well.
"Lopsy (Lonwabo) has been terrific for us. It was difficult to leave him out. Robbie (Peterson) has been playing really well for a while now. He is coming into his own now. The bowling unit is bowling really well."
Bangladesh captain Shakib al Hasan admitted their team failed to live up to expectations and let down the home crowd.
"We missed a big opportunity in this World Cup. We thought we will qualify for the next round but we haven't played good cricket in this tournament," he said.
"We haven't finished this tournament in the way we wanted. It can happen in cricket. We need to look back and see what we have done wrong."
Shakib also refused to blame the pitch for the batting collapse and said 240 was a par total.
He said: "The crowd supported us. The wicket wasn't bad and 240 was a gettable target on the surface. But they batted brilliantly."

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