South Africa's Charl Langeveldt (second left) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Scotland's Neil McCallum (left) in their World Cup match in Basseterre on Tuesday. South Africa dedicated the victory to former coach Bob Woolmer. - Reuters

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (CMC):

BOB WOOLMER'S death served as motivation for South Africa as they recorded an easy seven-wicket win over Scotland in their Group A match of the 2007 Cricket World Cup at Warner Park on Tuesday. Captain Graeme Smith said the players were emotional over the sudden passing of Woolmer who coached the South African side during the 1990s. "Today's game took on extra meaning," Smith said.

"After Bob passed away there were couple of emotional guys a couple of days ago. But to the credit of the guys they were very professional. Obviously the guys wanted to put in a good performance for Bob so we are glad we did that."

Decision to bowl

The left-hander Smith, who hit 91 off 65 balls with 13 fours and a six, chose to bowl first against the Scots after he won the toss.

He said the decision was designed to give the bowlers a workout ahead of their big clash with world champions Australia in their final group game on Saturday.

"I think we bowled well from about 20 overs to 40. I thought our (bowling) lines in the middle were very good. I think in the death on this ground you are going to go for boundaries. You have to come up with a few different strategies.I'm glad we bowled first today and we were able to learn and go through a few things and see what it was like out there and come up with a few different plans.

"It allowed us some time to think about it and plan for the Australia game. I think everyone bowled solidly today. Everyone had a good workout and we have a few things to think about going into the Australian game."

Smith said having now qualified for the Super Eight second round, the World Cup intensity has moved up a notch.

"We move on to Guyana (for the second round) which is an important facet of the tournament for us," Smith stressed.

"The World Cup is really starting for us now. We have to get the first job done and we have done that. And now the real big part of the tournament starts and I guess the first part of that tournament is Saturday (against Australia)."

Scotland's stand-in captain Ryan Watson, the former South Africa Under-19 captain who was born in Zimbabwe, said his side did not play well in their two matches against the Aussies and the Proteas.

"It's tough coming up against Australia and South Africa. I don't think we played as well as we could do. They played superbly," said Watson.

On Tuesday, Scotland made 186 for eight off their 50 overs to which South Africa responded with 188 for three off 23.2 overs.

Ntini fit and ready for the Aussies

South Africa's Makhaya Ntini ... ready for action against Australia on Saturday. - Reuters

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC):

South African fast bowler Makhaya Ntini will be fit and ready for Saturday's big Group A clash against Australia despite pulling up in Tuesday's match against Scotland.

Ntini, the first black to play for South Africa, was playing in his first match of the 2007 Cricket World Cup when he suffered from cramp in his ninth over. He completed the over and left the field, ending with figures of none for 25 despite being smashed for a huge six over mid-wicket by Scottish opener Fraser Watts. A team spokesman said Ntini left the field as a precaution, but would be ready for Saturday's final Group A game.

The 29-year-old joined the team late for the tournament after he stayed behind in South Africa to be with his wife for the birth of their second daughter. Ntini is the spearhead of South Africa's bowling attack and has taken 231 wickets from 145 one-day internationals.