In a strange attacking move, South Africa decided they wanted to dominate Australia and to do this, they just started jumping down the track to Glenn McGrath. He isn’t one of the greatest seamers of all time just like that and surely, he outwitted the South Africans. Collapsing to 27/5, they had no chance and the match was barely 10 overs old. Herschelle Gibbs tried to steady things with Justin Kemp and just as it seemed to be working, he was snared out by Shaun Tait. From there on, it was a matter of time. To their credit, South Africa did reach 150 when at one stage, even 120 was looking doubtful (especially when they were 103/8). Shaun Tait picked up 4/39, Glenn McGrath 3/18 and the rest chipped in with a wicket each.
Once again the reigning champions have shown why they are the best in the world. Sri Lanka definitely has their job cut out and will need plot and plan the fall of not just a team, but an eight-year legacy.
On the toss
'I thought the toss was crucial, the wicket looked quite dry when we started. To lose the toss and then take wickets proved to be a terrific start.'
On Nathan Bracken, striking in the first over of the game
'Brackey (Nathan Bracken) brought us an early wicket again which he does most times when he gets the new ball for us.''It was a dream start. We had them under pressure from the first over of the game today, which I expected the guys to do.'
On sending half the South African side in the pavilion within 10-overs
'We just bowled well, we really executed well today. Once we got on a bit of a roll we were pretty hard to stop.' -"We wanted them to go hard at us early. Our bowlers bowled in the right areas to take those wickets today."
On facing the Lankans in the finals
'They are a very good side and we expect them to play a strong side against us.'
South Africa coach, Mickey Arthur
On the flamboyant batting approach of the Proteas batsmen
I don't think we played reckless shots and threw wickets away,"We needed to disrupt Australia's momentum somehow and get on top and needed to get on top quick."
South Africa captain, Graeme Smith
On succumbing to the semi-final jinx yet again
"I definitely don't think we choked." -"We just weren't good enough. "The top order just got out to good bowling, maybe one or two loose shots."
On their batsmen failing to steady the sinking ship
"Our top order has played quite positive throughout the tournament," "The ball did swing a bit up front which they used to their advantage." "Once we became three down it became really difficult to wrest the initiative back."
