(Member of 1983 World Cup winning team)

Did the match live up to the expectations? Not quite. South Africa, number one team until recently, did not play like one. New Zealand, for long under-rated, had promised to make a mark in this World Cup. That they did in such a lively style speaks for the team's preparation for the event.

It is not always possible to click in a one-day match. There are factors beyond your control that dictate the course of the game and South Africa experienced it early in the contest when they batted first on a wicket helpful to the bowlers. It was a wicket that tested batting skills and South Africa lost way very early in the match. If there was no recovery the credit lay with the New Zealand bowlers, who were quick to understand the subtle changes they needed to bring to their style.

The seam movement was prominent in the initial stages of the match and South Africa faced a huge challenge to negotiate the Kiwis. It was tough for the batsmen but not impossible, given the strong batting line up that South Africa boast of. But the batsmen were just not willing to apply themselves and New Zealand grabbed the chance to create a winning position.

When Stephen Fleming chose to bowl it was a decision that reflected on the positive thinking, and of course, an admission that he was keen on establishing a firm grip on the course of the match.

The Kiwi batsmen were not in the best of form and it was very sensible that the team set up a situation where the pressure would be on the opposition. Fleming had read the wicket very well and it was a decision that made an impact on the way South Africa approached the job. The onus was on South Africa to set the trend.

I liked New Zealand's decision to play five bowlers. Fleming knew where his strength was and it was in his bowlers. True, batsmen dominate one-day cricket but there is a role to be played by the bowlers and Fleming showed the way by picking an ideal combination in conditions that were challenging.

The South Africans have struggled because their batsmen, essentially stroke-players, are not willing to adapt. Their approach has been sluggish and I expect the seniors to put their hands up and be counted. This is a crucial stage for a team that was considered to be the best equipped to the conditions in the Caribbean.

Craig McMillan made a huge impression with his contributions with the ball and the bat. His aggression is infectious and one can see some of it rubbing on Shane Bond. It was skillful bowling that helped New Zealand call the shots and then Fleming and Scott Styris batted most sensibly to take the team into the semifinals.

Another key figure in the New Zealand attack has been Jeetan Patel. He bowled at the 'death' with tremendous confidence. To fire three yorkers in an over highlighted the faith in his bowling and it was one challenge that South Africa could not cope with. New Zealand and Sri Lanka have performed with distinction mainly because of their understanding of the playing conditions and the ability to adapt.

The World Cup has brought to the fore the need to be flexible and aggressive. New Zealand signified these qualities so aptly in the manner in which they have progressed and I am looking forward to the matches involving Fleming and his men. They have been as impressive as Australia and Sri Lanka and deserve their place in the semifinals.

UNI XC DH KN1553

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