What the Experts say
Neil Johnson on...

The Proteas squad:
"Powerful and fine-tuned for the conditions. They are playing the best one-day cricket that they have for a long time. A wicket-taking spinner would be nice addition, though."

South Africa's key men:
"With no wicket-taking spinner Justin Kemp, Andrew Hall and Charl Langeveldt may be the key men in flat conditions. Graeme Smith and his opening partner must get the runs so that Jacques Kallis can play freely."

Other favourites:
"Australia, the holders, are still dangerous, especially when wounded. India and Pakistan need consistency to really launch a challenge. Sri Lanka and New Zealand are potent outsiders capable of beating any side on their day."

Stars to watch:
"Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey and Michael Clarke can win matches single-handedly. Muttiah Muralitharan will decimate batting line-ups. Expect all the big players to shine."

Conditions:
"With newly-laid pitches on most grounds, it's going to be a lottery even for home-boys, the Windies, The toss-up between a flat or bouncy nature of a wicket is going to test any captain's sanity."

Zimbabwe-born Johnson played 13 Tests and 48 ODIs for his country of birth, having campaigned on the SA Provincial circuit for many years. Will best be remembered for his three Man-of-the-Match Awards at the '99 World Cup, having flayed a hundred against the Aussies.

By Matthew Marcus

24/04/07 Sri Lanka v New Zealand - 16:30
25/04/07 Australia v South Africa - 15:30
28/04/07 Semi 1 v Semi 2 - 15:30
Beausejour Stadium

City: Gros Islet, Saint Lucia
Established: 2002
End names: Pavilion End, Media Centre End
Home team: Windward Islands
Capacity: 20,000

2003 - World Cup forfeits benefit Kenya

Due to England and New Zealand's refusing to travel to Zimbabwe and Kenya respectively, both Kenya and Zimbabwe progressed to the Super Sixes stage, with the Kenyans even making the last four - ahead of the likes of South Africa, Pakistan and England.


Sajid Mahmood
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A witch
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