Pollock happy with SA's all-round display

Captain Shaun Pollock said South Africa's 46-run win over India on Friday was a good confidence boost ahead of next week's final.

South Africa posted 282 for four wickets from their 50 overs after winning the toss and then dismissed India for 236.

"I thought we played well," Pollock said. "It was a good deck and the guys got us off to a fast start which was great.

"We knew when we went out to bowl that it was going to be difficult because it was such a good track and we were trying to put pressure on up front but Ganguly and Tendulkar played really well."

Pollock was particularly happy with an improved fielding display from his side, three run outs doing as much as anything to put the Indian reply under pressure.

"Our fielding's been a little bit average in the last few games. We try to set ourselves high standards and we felt that we could improve.

"Today was a lot better - three runs outs obviously means we're fielding well and I thought our catching was good too," Pollock said.

Pollock's opposite number Saurav Ganguly was left to reflect on the fact India were very much in the match before he was third out for a swashbuckling 85.

"I got out at a bad time and probably should have carried on," Ganguly said. "But even after that we were in the game but we kept losing wickets at regular intervals."

He also had some harsh words about the poor running between the wickets which cost his side so dearly.

"Two of the run outs were the result of poor, poor judgement. If you have to teach these things at this level of the game you are asking for trouble," he added. "We are playing international cricket, not provincial cricket."

South Africa's win confirmed their place in the final, while India must beat Kenya in their last group game to join them.

India's tour of South Africa : Complete coverage

Mail Cricket Editor