Botha keen to wrap it up early

Dubai:  South Africa's stand-in captain Johan Botha is eager to see his team wrap up the Cool & Cool Cup one-day International series against Pakistan when the two sides meet for the fourth match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium tomorrow.

The Proteas are 2-1 up in the series after a brilliant Hashim Amla ton led them to a nail-biting victory in the first of three matches in Dubai on Tuesday. And with the remaining two games set to be played on the same low scoring strip which produced a total of 454 runs in game three, Botha wants to get the job done tomorrow itself.

"It's 2-1 up and if we win on Friday the series is ours," said the off-spinner. "I think it's going to be the same strip for the three ODIs, so that's going to be interesting. We're very happy with taking the first one here in Dubai. It's going to get tougher on Friday and Monday. Hopefully we can squeeze one out on Friday and make it 3-1."

Amla, who carried his bat through South Africa's innings with his knock of 119 attributed his sensational form over the past year to maturing with experience. "I haven't changed anything," he said. "With time and each game you gain more experience and you feel more and more confident at this level and in this format. Fortunately we have guys like Jacques [Kallis], Graeme [Smith] who've played a lot of games. I try and draw on their experience to increase my knowledge of the ODIs."

Botha paid his teammate a rich tribute. "Like I said to him on the field, that's probably one of the best innings I've been involved with and probably will be involved with in my career."

Past forgotten

Meanwhile Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi refuted suggestions that his team may still be affected by the recent spot-fixing scandal. "If we take the past with us when we step onto the ground, we wouldn't be able to play," Afridi said. "What's happened has happened and there's an inquiry going on. But we forget about those problems when we step on to the pitch."

Smith pays tribute to retired ntini

Injured South African captain Graeme Smith took time out of his team's current battle with Pakistan to pay tribute to former teammate Makhaya Ntini who announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday.

"Makhaya epitomised what the Protea stood for and has been a great servant to the game both on and off the field," Smith told XPRESS. "I am most grateful to have been part of his career and successes and wish him all of the best with his life after international cricket."

Reflecting on his playing days with the man who became the first black African cricketer to play for South Africa in 1998, Smith said: "He brought so much energy and laughter to the team, not forgetting that he is the fittest player that I know, and as a captain it was always a pleasure to be able to call on him.

"I am so proud of his achievements, his records speak for themselves, and he leaves behind a lasting legacy for many to aspire to. He has been a pioneer for youngsters out there and has represented every South African while he has worn the Protea Jersey."