South Africa have field day

DAZZLING South Africa had a field day in Faisalabad yesterday as they pressurised New Zealand to a demoralising World Cup defeat.

Hansie Cronje's team put together a superlative bowling and fielding performance, topped by three run-outs and two breathtaking catches, to set up the five wickets group B victory with 12.3 overs to spare.

Man of the match Cronje, who hit 62 of his 78 runs in boundaries after the Kiwis had been restricted to a modest 177 for 9, said: "South Africa have fielded well for the last four years. We have worked very hard on it. But today's performance ranks in my top three."

Coach Bob Woolmer, however, went further: "It's the best fielding display since I have been in charge. It was close to awesome."

Jonty Rhodes, dubbed "The Rubber Man" here, was more awesome than most.

The Natal player. prowling at point. produced the highlight of the game when he threw out Adam Parore by diving to scoop up the ball, bouncing back up and firing down the stumps from 20 yards.