South Africa the closest challengers

Best performance: semi-finalists 1992, 1999
2003: Group stage
Price:9/2

If there is one side that has pushed Australia hard over the last few years, it is South Africa and if everything goes their way they could even achieve the unthinkable and deny the Aussies a third straight World Cup crown.

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Led by Graeme Smith, they have a collection of players, they have won 14 of their past 20 matches and amazingly, are within reach of Australia in the one-day rankings.

In Shaun Pollock, they have one of the world's great opening bowlers who in the past few years has become most effective of all in one-day cricket and in Jacques Kallis, they have a batsman of the utmost quality.

Their support players are all strong and their strength in depth should serve them well throughout the tournament, with Mark Boucher and Shaun Pollock probably the best No 7 and No 8 pairing in the tournament.

while they are also probably the second-best fielding side in the competition.

Player to watch: Shaun Pollock
I have really lost count of the number of times that he has removed one or other of the openers.That and his ability to restrict runs is his great strength and generally sets things up for South Africa.

His experience is invaluable and the likes of Makhaya Ntini and Andre Nel would not have taken the wickets they have without his presence. This is his last hurrah in terms of one-day cricket so expect him to make a massive effort.

Prediction:
Semi-finals
Their strength in depth is such that they should be able to make the last four, at least.

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.