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Prince prepares for Bangladesh
South African batsman Ashwell Prince says his side are set on securing two points.
Last Modified: 06 Apr 2007 10:59 GMT

South Africa's Ashwell Prince has been trying to make the most of his chances in the middle [GALLO/GETTY]

Ashwell Prince, South African middle-order batsman, said his side will be focused on securing two points in their clash against Bangladesh, who will be looking for a much improved all-round performance in their World Cup Super Eights match in Guyana on Saturday.
Since stunning India in their opening match of the World Cup last month, Bangladesh have won just one other game, against the lowly Bermuda, and have suffered big defeats against Sri Lanka by 198 runs, defending champions Australia by 10 wickets and New Zealand by nine wickets.

The South Asian side need to lift their game to avoid another thrashing against South Africa, with the world number one team determined to gain two more Super Eight points to enchance their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals.

"Two points, that's the most important thing," said Prince.

"There's a lot of rain, but we are hoping to get enough overs to complete a match and get two points.

"The Bangladeshi batsmen looked very positive in the matches I have watched and I am sure they will try and put our bowlers under pressure," added Prince.

"So, I don't think it is going to be an easy game at all."

The Bangladeshi batsmen were impressive against India, with teenager Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Saqibul Hasan all making half-centuries to help their side surpass India's total of 191 with five wickets to spare.

South Africa's top-order batsmen, especially Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis, have also looked in great form, with fast bowlers Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini beginning to click at just the right time.

Limited opportunity

"The fact that our top order is batting so well that the guys in the middle order haven't had much time to bat - myself, Justin Kemp and Mark Boucher have had very little time in the middle," said Prince.

The 29 year-old made the most of his opportunity in the last match against Ireland, scoring a well-made 47 not out to guide his team to a seven-wicket victory with man-of-the-match Kallis, who scored 66.

"Every time we had batted first, they (top-order batsmen) batted most of the overs up.

"So, that's one of the reasons why I am glad I got the opportunity in the last match," added Prince.

"Even though it was getting a little bit dark, I didn't want to go off the field as I wanted some batting practice."

Source:
Agencies
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