South Africa on right track

All-rounder Andrew Hall put South Africa out of their misery against Ireland © Getty Images

South Africa coach Mickey Arthur insists his side are still working to their game plan despite being given a scare by Ireland.

The Proteas had to rely on all-rounder Andrew Hall to spare their blushes in a slim 35-run warm-up win over the World Cup minnows.

Nevertheless, Arthur believes the world number ones are on track in their bid to lift the trophy.

"Every game has a reason and a plan for us. We are looking to peak at the right time and this is a build up towards that," he said ahead of their final warm-up match against Pakistan in Trinidad on Friday.

Conceding his team has not shown the kind of form expected of a side rated one of the favourites Arthur said the players recognised the importance of raising their game against Pakistan.

"We are looking to get the most out of the game. Our players will be looking to up the momentum," he added.

In contrast, Pakistan cruised to a 77-run win over Canada on Tuesday with half-centuries from captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Hafeez and will be looking for more of a test tomorrow.

“Every game is very important to us," said team liaison officer Pervez Mir.

"And this will definitely be an eye opener for us. This game should provide us with the right combination for our game against the West Indies.

"We will be taking the game like if we are playing a group stage match. It’s very serious for us.

"We definitely won’t want to go into our first game with a loss behind us, so everyone can expect us to play to the best of our ability."

Pakistan open the tournament against the hosts on Tuesday while South Africa, grouped with New Zealand, Scotland and Australia, face Holland on Friday.