Smith hails 'terrific' duo

South Africa captain looking forward to England clash

Last updated: 3rd March 2011  

Smith hails 'terrific' duo

Smith: pleased with win

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Graeme Smith paid tribute to Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers after their 221-run stand helped South Africa thrash Holland in Mohali.

De Villiers made 134 off 98 balls while Amla scored 113 off 130 as the Proteas built a mammoth total of 351-5 in their 50 overs.

Holland were then bowled out for 120 inside 35 overs, handing Smith's side a 231-run victory, the fourth biggest in World Cup history.

The South Africa captain was quick to praise the efforts of the centurions and said the squad is looking forward to putting their unbeaten record on the line against England next.

"Hashim and de Villiers had terrific knocks. They laid an excellent platform," Smith said.

Happy

"We're looking forward to playing England on Sunday. We're enjoying ourselves so far on this trip."

De Villiers did not come back out to field after his innings and Smith confirmed that he had sustained a knock while out in the middle.

Smith added: "De Villiers picked up a niggle while he was batting. So it didn't feel necessary to push him in the field."

Holland skipper Peter Borren was disappointed to fall to such a heavy defeat but thinks his side will gain valuable experience from facing the major Test playing nations.

"Any time you lose by such a big margin, it's pretty hard to take," Borren said.

"I think we'll learn more playing top quality opposition than playing the Associates. We play India in Delhi next and they are a big team too."

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