Mark Boucher insists that South Africa will not repeat the mistakes of previous semi-final defeats.
Wicketkeeper insists his side can handle last four pressure
Veteran South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher is adamant that South Africa will not suffer semi-final heartbreak again on Thursday.
The Proteas, who will face-off against Pakistan in the World Twenty20 at Trent Bridge, have fallen short at this stage in three previous international ICC competitions.
In 1992, the first time they played in the World Cup, South Africa could do little to prevent defeat by England due to a farcical runs recalculation after a rain delay.
A dramatic last-ball mix-up saw them dumped out of the same competition in 1999 while they failed to capitalise on home advantage against India in the inaugural World Twenty20 two years ago.
But Boucher claims that things will be different this time around.
"We have been in a couple of semis before, but there is a different feeling with this team," he said.
Pressure
"We have a different management, different players - and we've been through a lot of tests in the last year that we've come through with flying colours.
"We've handled pressure pretty well - and we hope that's a sign of things to come in the latter stages of this tournament. We hope this time we can go the whole way."
South Africa coach Mickey Arthur is also confident his team can shake off the 'chokers' tag that has dogged them in the past.
He insists that his side, who are favourites to win the tournament, have the mental strength to cope with the pressure they are being put under.
"We could get beaten tomorrow, and then again the 'chokers' tag might surface," Arthur said.
"But for us, that's not an issue. As long as we are playing the game to the best of our ability and we are not panicking in the crucial situations, we're not scared of losing.
"The guys have been put in these situations over the last 18 months and have come through. Mentally our team is very, very strong and ready to go to another level."
