South Africa set out its stall in convincing fashion for the ICC World Twenty20 with an overwhelming 59-run victory over Pakistan in its first warm-up match at Trent Bridge on Monday evening. Chasing a target of 187 to win, Pakistan could only manage 127 with two balls to spare.But captain Graeme Smith was not getting carried away and put the success into context. “It was nice to get some momentum and form going particularly as we had not played together as a team for more than a month but the result does not mean anything in terms of winning the competition.
“Our first goal is to prepare properly and then to get through our two qualifying matches in our pool against Scotland and New Zealand. That is the first hurdle to clear.
“Nevertheless it was pleasing to see some batsmen in key positions showing good form,” Smith added in reference to Herschelle Gibbs who made 42 off 23 balls (five fours and a six) in the No. 3 position after Smith (70 off 52 balls with nine fours and a six) and Jacques Kallis had put on 80 for the first wicket in 9.2 overs and to Albie Morkel who struck 32 off 14 balls (three sixes).
“Our spinners are also continuing to grow as a unit and to make a big contribution. We certainly have more talent in this area than we have had for a long time.” Roelof van der Merwe, Johan Botha and JP Duminy had combined figures of 5-52 in nine overs as they built on the success they had enjoyed against Australia.
It knocked the stuffing out of the Pakistani batting and they were actually bowled out inside the statutory 20 overs.
The Proteas return to London on Tuesday for their next warm-up match against Sri Lanka at Lord’s on Wednesday.
Smith hinted that other combinations might be tried in this match.
