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World Cup: South Africa were awesome says Woolmer

South Africa, already widely recognised as the finest fielding side in the world, yesterday earned the praise of their English coach, Bob Woolmer, after an easy five-wicket win over New Zealand.

Woolmer said it was South Africa's finest fielding display so far. ``It's the best since I have been in charge,'' he said. ``It was close to awesome.''

And captain Hansie Cronje confirmed: ``I think it was one of the better performances I have seen by a South African side in the last four years. Everybody bowled well. We have worked very hard on our fielding, but this performance ranks in my top three.''

Tight bowling and an unusually aggressive batting display, as well as the fine fielding, brought about the win. New Zealand were restricted to 177 for nine in their 50 overs despite the flat top that held the promise of a run feast for yet another paltry crowd in Pakistan. South Africa scored 178 for five in reply from 37.3 overs with Cronje top-scoring with 78.

New Zealand quickly ended any advantage they might have gained from winning the toss and by the 10th over always looked like struggling. At 36 for three, they had lost Nathan Astle foolishly run out and both Craig Spearman and Roger Twose caught lashing out when caution might have been more appropriate.

Those were two brilliant catches and set the tone for the top-quality fielding by South Africa, which included two direct hits by Gary Kirsten and Jonty Rhodes for successful run outs.

Rhodes, who is reckoned to save between 20 and 30 runs an innings, ran out Adam Parore in spectacular fashion, leaping salmon-like to his right at backward point to block a Shane Thomson cut.

He flipped the ball up and fired at the stumps in one movement from 20 yards, leaving Parore a foot short and gasping in amazement. No other fielder in the world could have pulled off such a stunt.

Cronje proved the catalyst for victory

A good line and length, exemplified by the fact that New Zealand failed to score a boundary for 22 successive overs in mid- innings, added to the frustrating batting display in which Stephen Fleming top-scored on 33.

South Africa, experimenting again with wicketkeeper Steve Palframan as pinch-hitter, had good fortune to thank for their bright response.

New Zealand spilled three chances off Palframan and fellow opener Kirsten in the first eight overs and thereby lost any chance of making a game of it.

Cronje proved the catalyst for victory after Palframan had been bowled for 16 - scoring the fastest fifty of the World Cup so far in 36 balls.

He majestically reached the mark with a lofted six off the bowling of Thomson.

Cronje eventually holed out to Fleming at short mid-wicket for 78 off 64 balls with three delightful sixes and 11 boundaries.

By the time he left the arena, South Africa needed just 32 to win and in spite of the loss of two more wickets, never looked in any danger.

Astle's tame bowling secured the late wicket of Daryll Cullinan but with more than 12 overs left, South Africa sauntered home.

Man of match: WJ Cronje