BASSETERRE, March 21: South African captain Graeme Smith said his team were well tuned-up for the real World Cup business after cruising to the Super Eight stages with two victories from two games.

“I think from the point of view of going through to the next round, the first two games are out of the way, and that's a good thing,” Smith said after his team beat Scotland on Tuesday.

South Africa now meet bitter rivals Australia in a high-profile Group A clash on Saturday, a match Smith termed as real challenge.

“The World Cup is really starting for us now, and the first part of that is Saturday because Australia is the game that everyone's been looking forward to,” he said.

Smith said his team was ready for any opposition in the round of eight teams.

“I think every team has match winners, so I don't want to delve into who'll beat us and who won't beat us. I think that as a team you cannot afford to take teams for granted, have to be ready for each day.

“If you're slightly off the mark, teams can beat you,” said Smith. I'm very relaxed at the moment. I think I'm going to get a lesson on how to fish, a couple of our farm boys are taking me fishing. Hopefully I don't get too seasick.”

Smith said some of his players were emotional leading up to the match due to former coach Bob Woolmer. “The Scotland game took on extra meaning after Bob passed away. There were a couple of emotional guys, and to their credit they were guys who were very professional. We discussed that aspect and I am happy everyone did well.”—AFP

Opinion

Editorial

GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...
Centre vs provinces
Updated 10 Jun, 2026

Centre vs provinces

The reason the centre finds itself in this position is rooted in its failure to expand the tax net and boost revenues.
Party in crisis
10 Jun, 2026

Party in crisis

THE young KP chief minister must be starting to realise just how thorny a seat he occupies. There has been a flurry...
Varsity woes
10 Jun, 2026

Varsity woes

FINANCIAL crises affecting public sector universities across Pakistan are now having an impact on academic...