Smith hits out at ‘chokers’ tag

Vows not to bow down to people’s ‘agendas’.

NAGPUR:

South Africa captain Graeme Smith backed his team to succeed at the World Cup despite the capitulation against England which had his critics bringing up the ‘chokers’ accusations.

Smith hit out at allegations that his side had displayed the South African tendency to lose the plot in pressure situations.

“I believe in this team,” said Smith. “I’ll not admit to people’s agendas. This team has something.”

Needing just 172 to win, South Africa slumped from 63 for no loss to 124 for seven as England won the match by just six runs.

Yuvraj delighted with
all-round show

India batsman Yuvraj Singh admitted he is enjoying the role as his team’s match-winning all-rounder, having made history with a five-wicket haul and a half-century against Ireland.

India were struggling at 100 for four before Yuvraj steered his side home. He  also took five for 31 for a maiden five-wicket haul in One-Day Internationals, the first player to achieve the double feat.

“Finishing a game gives me a lot of confidence,” said Singh, “My responsibility is to bat till the end.”

“I think it’s an achievement for a part-timer to get five wickets.”

The victory boosted India’s chances of making it to the quarter-finals as they remain unbeaten in Group B.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2011.