Prince Praises Dogged Ireland

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Kallis hits out in his matchwinning innings.

South Africa batsman Ashwell Prince paid tribute to Ireland after the minnows made the Proteas work hard for World Cup victory in Guyana.

Prince hit an unbeaten 47 to help see South Africa home by seven wickets in a rain-affected Super Eight game at the Providence Stadium.

Jacques Kallis was also unbeaten on 66 but it was far from straightforward for South Africa in a match reduced to 35 overs per side.

Prince said in an interview broadcast on Sky Sports: "They have put in some spirited performances in this tournament. It won't surprise me if they cause one more surprise.

"They throw themselves around in the field, back their bowlers and bat well."

Ireland posted 152 for eight and made South Africa wait until the 32nd over before reaching their revised target of 160.

Prince added: "Jacques was hitting the ball nicely and has been running up some good scores for South Africa. We had a good partnership.

"I think with every game we are improving and that is important."

The Proteas moved back up to fourth in the table with the victory but captain Graeme Smith was also impressed by the Irish.

Smith said: "The two points are obviously important. I'm glad we won but they made it tough.

"The interruptions made it difficult but I thought Ireland showed great energy and passion."

Ireland captain Trent Johnston was proud of his team but admitted frustration at the number of rain-enforced interruptions during his side's innings.

The Australia-born all-rounder said: "We set out to bat 50 overs and unfortunately that was not to be.

"But they got us pinned back in the early stages and it is always difficult against bowlers of that class.

"Still, 150 was a reasonable total and we stuck out there until the 32nd over. I'm really proud of the guys."