Solid debut for Cole in Bafana win
In-form Smith hits ton to help set up Melbourne date for co-hosts
AUSTRALIAcaptain Michael Clarke warned his side were yet to play their perfect game in the World Cup, despite booking their spot in Sunday’s final with a 95-run victory over defending champions India.
Steven Smith clocked his first World Cup century yesterday, his 105 off just 93 balls propelling Australia to 328 for seven, with opener Aaron Finch kicking on to 81 after a slow start.
It meant India’s run-chase was under pressure from the start, and, barring skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s run-a-ball 65, Australia had a relatively easy route to the finish line and now have the chance for a fifth World Cup title when they face co-hosts New Zealand.
The Black Caps are the only unbeaten team of the tournament so far, having trumped Australia as well in the pool stages, but Clarke said on Sky Sports World Cup: “We’re playing some really good cricket at the moment.
“Losing to New Zealand gave us that kick up the backside. I still don’t think we’ve played the perfect game yet. I think we’ve improved every game and now we’re excited to be in the final.
“I think the boys have played some outstanding cricket. Smithy was exceptional once again. He’s hitting the ball so sweetly, and I’m really proud of the execution under pressure there from our bowlers.”
Smith’s century comes in a tournament that has already seen him make scores of 95, 72 and 65, and the stand-in Test captain hopes there is plenty left in the bag for Sunday. “Another big hundred would be nice,” he said. “It’s nice to contribute to a few wins. It was a pretty big stage, the semifinal of a World Cup. I’m just happy that we got over the line in the end.”
Dhoni, meanwhile, feels his side can walk away with their heads held high after a World Cup that belied many pre-tournament expectations.
India came into the showpiece on the back of a disappointing tour of Australia, with no competitive wins to their name, but marched to the knockout phase by topping their pool, and then easily beating Bangladesh. “Overall, I’m quite happy,” Dhoni said. “Where we were at the start of the tournament, a lot of people didn’t think we’d get this far.” said Dhoni.
“At the same time, when you come to the knockout stages you have to lift your game.
“There were too many (runs) to chase. If you lose quite a few wickets and you’re supposed to chase over six runs an over... our lower order, I don’t think they can contribute as much in these conditions.
“Overall, it’s good exposure for them. Maybe next time, in other conditions, they’ll know how to bat and do better.”
In yesterday’s semi-final the Indian attack was blunted for the first time at the tournament. In seven matches prior to the clash, they had dismissed the opposition each time – the only team to bowl out their opposition in every game.
Pace bowlers Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav and Mohit Sharma combined to capture 42 of the 70 wickets.
“I felt our fast bowlers could have done slightly better because I knew in the second half there wouldn’t be much reverse swing,” Dhoni said. “I feel at times we were (pitching) slightly more up than where we should have been because this wicket was not similar to some of the other wickets that we have played (on).”
Dhoni was undecided when asked after the match whether this would be his last World Cup. “I’m not sure about that,” he said. “I’m 33, I’m still running, I’m still fit.
“But I’ll have a (think in a) year’s time. Maybe during the T20 World Cup I would like to decide if I can continue until the 2019 World Cup or not.” – Daily Mail and Sapa-AP MITCHELLS PLAIN midfielder Cole Alexander made his debut for Bafana Bafana in a 3-1 friendly win over Swaziland in Mbabane on Wednesday night – and the Polokwane City player was chuffed with his performance. After a well-deserved national call-up, thanks to some consistent displays for Polokwane, the former Ajax Cape Town man anchored the Bafana midfield alongside FC Twente’s Kamohelo Mokotjo.
Alexander was on the field for about 80 minutes before being replaced, but he had managed to catch the eye with his positioning, anticipation, tackling and smooth passing.
“I was happy with my performance, I think I did fairly well for my first game,” said Alexander, pictured. “I was nervous at first, but settled and was then able to play my normal game. I just made sure I kept it simple and stuck to the basics.
“It was great to play with Mokotjo, he’s a really good player... I can see why he is an overseas star.”
Bafana now head into their next friendly during the international week, when they host Nigeria in Nelspruit on Sunday.
“It’s the big one for us,” said Alexander. “Any game against Nigeria always is... But we have been preparing well. I just hope I’m part of the squad and, if I do get some game time, I will make sure that I do the best I can.”
Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba was happy with the Swaziland victory, though he was disappointed at the way his side conceded a “soft” goal. Such a lapse in concentration would be dangerous against the wounded Nigerians, fresh from losing 1-0 to Uganda.
With South Africa having eliminated the west Africans from the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, there is certain to be a whiff of revenge in the air.
“Nigeria are still feeling bitter after we knocked them out,” said Mashaba. “To them, it’s payback time. I’m sure they want to show us they are still the best when it comes to football in Africa. It’s going to be a tough match. We will field a strong side and our players must be prepared to compete.”