Smith's 'chokers' up against Vaughan's 'no-hopers' in virtual Q/Fs

Bridgetown, Barbados, Apr 16 (UNI) There is no quarter-finals in this ongoing World Cup but tomorrow's encounter between South Africa and England promises to be just that.

While a win for the Proteas will propel them into the semi-finals, for the Englishmen, it will provide them with a lifeline to just sneak in to last four through the backdoor if they win their last Super Eight match against hosts West Indies.

Greame Smith will be wary of the 'chokers' tag that the talented side seem to have a copyright on while Michael Vaughan's side will have to prove to the world that they are more than 'no-hopers' to desrve a semi-finals spot.

For once South Africa would be praying for lady luck to go their way, especially after a tied match against eventual champions Australia dashed their hopes of semi-final berth in 1999 World Cup and then in 2003 World Cup when they were hosting the showpiece event, miscalculation, weather God and a funny Duck Worthlewis method combined together to deny the Shaun Pollock's side a semis spot.

However, this time Smith's men just have themselves to blame for landing in a do-or-die like situation following their shock loss to a relatively weaker side -- Bangladesh.

South Africa's tame demise to New Zealand means tomorrow's game is now as good as an eliminator. Besides it has paved the way for Sri Lanka to progress to last four, leaving South Africa, England and West Indies to fight it out for the fourth and final berth.

''We will win the match,'' was the grim announcement of captain Graeme Smith while talking to media. When he was in Guyana he probably never dreamt his team's fortunes would be decided in the their last Super Eight match.

''We know we can do this and we are going to fire on all cylinders. I have asked all my players to give me this victory,'' said Smith.

And yet in his heart of hearts he knows only one team will progress at the expense of the other.

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