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October 30 - Things looked very bleak for the Proteas, South Africa's national cricket squad,
a couple of weeks ago when they were unexpectedly 'thrashed' by New Zealand,
throwing into doubt any chance of winning the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy.
However, with brute determination and a fine example of match play temperament so
often missing from South African sports teams and individuals, the Proteas rose
to the occasion earning themselves two badly needed back to back victories.
The first was against ICC Champions Trophy favourites Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad on
Tuesday last week. As it turned out, the heat was no match for Graeme Smith and
the lads as they sent Sri Lanka packing with a 78 run victory.
So far so good. Then on Friday against Pakistan, the Proteas once again bloomed
proving their mettle as the world's second-ranked one-day cricket team by
meticulously 'destroying' Pakistan in Mohali.
Even the biggest Proteas
supporters could not foresee Pakistan going all out for a miniscule 89!
Often criticized for his 'hard-nosed' and 'confrontational' style of leadership,
Proteas captain Graeme Smith has managed to drum the team into a 'feeding
frenzy', with the food of choice being 'pressure' it seems, and lots of it.
As Smith recently told a large media gathering before the Pakistan match,
'International cricket is all about pressure and if you can't handle it, then
you shouldn't be here.'
Wise words Graeme and more importantly true words as him and his team have made
South Africa very proud so far. However, there will be plenty of time to rest on
their laurels once they have won the ICC Champions Trophy.
For now, the Proteas are off to the Indian city of Jaipur which is known as the
'Pink City' due to the colour of the palaces that dominate the skyline, to
prepare for Thursday's semi-final against, either India, the West Indies or
Australia.
Good luck lads!
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