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[cricket_news]

S Africa wary of Windies threat
12 June 2009, 4:58 pm



S Africa wary of Windies threat

ICC World Twenty20 Super Eight Group E: South Africa v West IndiesVenue: The Oval Date: Saturday, 13 June Start: 1330 BSTCoverage: Test Match Special commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, Radio 4 LW, Red Button and online, plus text commentary on BBC Sport website & mobiles. Live on Sky Sports with highlights on BBC2 and online at 2335 BST



Graeme Smith and Micky Arthur have forged a fine partnership

South Africa coach Micky Arthur had told his team not to underestimate West Indies when the sides meet in the World Twenty20 Super Eights on Saturday.Victory at The Oval would maintain South Africa's unbeaten record and keep them on course for the semi-finals.

"You are never sure which West Indies team is going to pitch up, we'll have to be very wary of them," said Arthur.

"We must make sure that we rock up with the same intensity we have shown throughout the tournament."

South Africa followed up group-stage victories over Scotland and New Zealand with a seven-wicket win against England in their opening Super Eight Group E match on Thursday.

West Indies' tour to England started with resounding Test and one-day series defeats by the hosts.

But they looked sensational in their opening World Twenty20 game, which saw them romp to a seven-wicket triumph over Australia with captain Chris Gayle smashing 80 off 50 balls with six fours and six sixes.



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Your thoughts on South Africa's match against West Indies

"The West Indies have played both very ordinary cricket and fantastic cricket during their stay in England," said Arthur.

"Chris Gayle is a particularly dangerous opponent and he has done well against us in the past. We will be giving a lot of thought to our tactics against him."

The other Super Eights group comprises New Zealand, Ireland, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and, should South Africa progress to the last four, Arthur knows they will face tough opposition.

"We are not thinking further ahead than our next match against the West Indies," he said.

"Of the teams in the other section (Group F) I like the look of Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Sri Lanka have a balanced and varied attack.

"Their batting may lack a bit of depth but their top four players are high quality batsmen.

"New Zealand are a team of scrappers. They have a good record in ICC tournaments and should not be under-estimated."



Source: BBC Sport | Cricket | World Edition