GEORGETOWN (Guyana), April 7: South Africa skipper Graeme Smith has told his team-mates to tighten their game more to boost hopes of qualifying for the World Cup semi-finals.

“Our tough period is coming up now and we will have to find our levels. We feel like we still have got a lot in the tank to go,” the South African captain said here on Friday.

South Africa, who already have four points, look set to add to their tally when they take on under-performing Bangladesh in their third Super Eights match in Providence on Saturday. A win will take them closer to the semi-final spot.

“Every team will want to win enough games to secure a place in the semi-finals and that's the time you want to peak. The quicker you get there, the better. It takes the pressure off your side,” said Smith.

“The crucial games are coming up for us. The two points we are looking for here will take us where we want to go. We need to step up going into the middle of the World Cup. We don't want do-or-die games against bigger teams.”

South Africa will meet the West Indies, New Zealand and England in their last three matches. They have so far lost just one of their five matches, against defending champions Australia in Group A.

“Barring Australia, I think we have been pretty much in control and that is encouraging. We let ourselves down against Australia after having opportunities to win that game,” said Smith.

South Africa lost the match by 83 runs while chasing a massive 378-run target, but Smith said he was satisfied with his team's performances in the subsequent matches against Sri Lanka and debutants Ireland here.

Smith said the team had grown in confidence after posting a tense one-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in their opening Super Eights match where Sri Lanka seamer Lasith Malinga took four wickets in four balls.

“We wanted six points in Guyana and we now look forward to Grenada. We have adapted pretty well here. We were pretty much in control against Sri Lanka before Lasith Malinga's superb spell,” said Smith.

“It's encouraging to know we had something in the tank in the end. That's pretty encouraging. The Sri Lanka match was our massive test. Sri Lanka are a form team and much-talked-about in the tournament.”

South Africa's top-order batsmen, especially Jacques Kallis, were among runs in recent matches and Smith said he hoped the middle order would deliver when the situation arose in the remaining matches.

“I want the middle order to be in form as guys at number five, six, seven and eight have not so far had a good hit in the middle,” he said.

“They look better and better in the nets, but nets cannot make up for the time in the middle.”

Smith said they were not thinking about the opposition they would meet in the semi-final or final, but wanted to focus on their game at the moment.

“We are not looking that far ahead. If we control our game, we'll be pretty much okay. We back our abilities, The important thing is to reach the semi-finals first,” said Smith.

Smith said the team's first objective was to win the game against Bangladesh who could be unpredictable.

“There is no doubt in my mind that in these conditions, they are going to be a challenge. So, we will have to make sure we are up for it,” he said.

“Due to their unpredictable nature, they can get off to a fast start, so I think it's about remaining calm. Obviously, we have got our game plans.”—AFP