JOHANNESBURG - Delighted South African captain Shaun Pollock says his team's World Cup fate is back in their own hands after group B rivals West Indies suffered a washout in their game against Bangladesh.
"It's a much nicer situation to be in than we were 24 hours ago," he said.
"It certainly lifts our spirits ahead of the next few matches.
"But ultimately we have to keep on winning."
The West Indies lost two valuable points from a winning position when rain cut short their match in Benoni. Having rattled up 244 for nine, the West Indies had Bangladesh 32 for two when rain washed the game out.
Before the game, South Africa needed to win their three remaining games and pray for Sri Lanka to beat the West Indies to have any chance of progressing.
Yesterday's result meant that - barring more rain or a shock result involving a minor team - Pollock's team no longer have to rely on a Sri Lankan success against the West Indies on March 1.
Four teams are bunched at the top of group B. Sri Lanka lead with two wins from two games and eight points. New Zealand have eight points from three games, but have refused to play against Kenya in Nairobi. The West Indies have six points and South Africa four, both from three games.
The top three qualify for the Super Six stage, and run rate is likely to be a deciding factor.
South Africa have a superior run rate to New Zealand and the West Indies.
West Indies captain Carl Hooper thinks the wash-out could be a blessing in disguise.
"While we're disappointed we didn't get the four points, maybe it's not a bad thing," he said.
"We want to be in the frame of mind when we play Sri Lanka to know it's a must-win situation."
Hooper said the most positive thing to come out of yesterday's match was a brilliant display by middle-order batsman Ricardo Powell, who clubbed four sixes to bring up his half century off 30 balls.
* Tonight's games:
Pool A: Australia v Netherlands, Potchefstroom.
- REUTERS
World Cup schedule
Points table
Cricket: Wash-out joy for Pollock
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