Look how strong SA provinces are

rafiq · #1 February 1, 2003, 01:00 PM

South Africa embarrassed by domestic champions
Reuters - 1 February 2003

South Africa's World Cup squad suffered an embarrassing seven-wicket defeat at the hands of domestic champions Western Province in a warm-up game on Saturday.

After winning the toss and batting first, the South African side was dismissed for just 155, seven balls short of their 40 overs. Western Province reached their target with nearly ten overs to spare.

The South African innings stumbled following the early run out of Gary Kirsten for two. Shaun Pollock (26) and Lance Klusener (19, all in singles, from 48 balls) added 46 for the seventh wicket after South Africa crumbled to 69 for six in the only partnership of any substance.

Fast bowler Quinton Friend finished with four for 33.

The Western Province run chase was given a healthy start by World Cup discard Graeme Smith (36), and a rousing finish by Zimbabwean Neil Johnson whose 71 off 53 balls included three sixes in five balls off Robin Peterson.

South Africa open the World Cup on February 9 with a match against West Indies in Cape Town.

**Tehsin** · #2 February 1, 2003, 02:35 PM

Can't believe he left national duty to stick with first class cricket. However, we all know the situation back home and he probably just did not feel like going through that.

**Tehsin** · #3 February 1, 2003, 02:35 PM

You will see the same problem with Aussie top sides.

Pundit · #4 February 1, 2003, 03:26 PM

"However, we all know the situation back home and he probably just did not feel like going through that."

Going through what, Tehsin ? Johnson is a very light hearted man who could not handle his professional and national commitments, and thus just chose the ultimately more important deal - money !

Border lines/ citizenship issues are very sublime issues in South-ern Africa, and especially if you are a white person, your ultimate allegiance will be to SA, where you can feel more at "home."

He now plays ofcourse with Western prov. but always was really a part of SA. He used his Zim birth certificate to play Internationally, and when descovered that the glamour associated with the Zims is far less than it would have been had he been able to play for SA, just went back to where the money is.

**Tehsin** · #5 February 1, 2003, 06:26 PM

What you said is true .. however, there is the other problem in Zimbabwe.

He was one of Zimb's top performers and his departure did weaken Zimbabwe.