A fighting Ireland battled weather disruptions and their own minnows tag to put up a fight against South Africa. But in the end, it was not enough to peg back one of the favourites for the Cup and South Africa ran away winners by 7 wickets.
In a rain-hit match that would see only 35 overs per side, Ireland was put in to bat first and managed a respectable 152/8 thanks to a late surge from Langford-Smith and Johnston. At the top of the innings, Ireland suffered from the same problem as Bangladesh does: lack of confidence. After being beaten continuously, though, the did not try to hit their way out of trouble at least and worked their way through some small partnerships.
South Africa’s bowling looks solid with Ntini and Pollock opening and a string of medium-pacers to follow. Why they were taken apart by Australia is something they would need to address before their next big match. Unlike their bowling and fielding, though, the top order batting for South Africa looks shaky. AB de Villiers has struggled and against Ireland, it was indiscretion that got the better of him. He needs to take corrective measures immediately or South Africa could be in some trouble against a better opposition.
Jacques Kallis, though, is in fine form. He is now one of the in-form players of the tournament along with Matthew Hayden and Sanath Jayasuriya. His 66 not out was a match-winning effort and he stood through the fall of captain Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs in quick succession. But he went on with business as usual and ensured there were no serious hiccups in the chase as South Africa climbed up the overall Super Eight table.
South Africa’s bowling looks solid with Ntini and Pollock opening and a string of medium-pacers to follow. Why they were taken apart by Australia is something they would need to address before their next big match. Unlike their bowling and fielding, though, the top order batting for South Africa looks shaky. AB de Villiers has struggled and against Ireland, it was indiscretion that got the better of him. He needs to take corrective measures immediately or South Africa could be in some trouble against a better opposition. Despite this win and having played as many matches as Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand, South Africa finds themselves in fourth place and a negative net run-rate. If England beats Sri Lanka on April 4, it could be a gridlock at the top with five teams and only Australia and New Zealand ahead of the pack.
MATCH QUOTES
Man of the Match - Jacques Kallis
On romping Ireland by 7 wickets
"I've been playing a big role in helping South Africa win games and that's the most satisfying aspect,"
On criticism against him
"I've never minded criticism but I think there's a line you don't cross and certain people crossed that line. That's fine, I will remember who those guys are in future. But that's life, you're up one day and down the next. The only way you can prove people wrong is by putting in performances and winning games for South Africa."
On his future role after the critics
"I've never been too worried about what's been written, I'm not going to change my game just because a few people aren't happy with it. I've been given a role in the side and that's the way I perform."
PHOTOS © GETTY IMAGES
Published on Apr 4, 2007
