We are prepared for South Africa: Gaekwad

An interesting game is on the cards when a youthful Indian side take on a confident and experienced South African side in the second semifinal of the ICC KnockOut Trophy in Nairobi on Friday. India have had a difficult draw in this year's tournament. First, they had to get the better of Kenya and then they upset World champions Australia on their way thru' for a meeting with the Proteas, who remain the favourites for the title.

Talking to the media after a workout at the Gymkhana ground on Tuesday, coach Anshuman Gaekwad said "We are confident of doing well and felt that the win against Australia was a good thing. We are prepared to take on any team in the semi-final. The boys are confident. The victory was a tremendous boost," he said.

Meanwhile, there was a cause of worry for the side before the crucial game as captain Sourav Ganguly had an upset tummy and did not attend the nets on Tuesday. However Gaekwad allayed any fears by saying "There is nothing to worry about. He will be all right for the match."

India take on South Africa in what could be a thrilling encounter on Friday. "I feel better now than I was late last night and early today. Hopefully, I can train tomorrow," Ganguly said. Ganguly, along with some senior players had earlier taken a day off after a tough match against Australia.

South African captain Shaun Pollock, after his side's convincing victory over England on Tuesday, said "we will have to be more prepared to put in a better performance in the semi-final against India on Friday."

At the post-match conference, Pollock said "India are a quality team and the players have been brought up on wickets such as the ones here. It's going to be an interesting semi-final and I expect the crowd to support India." Asked what plans he has to counter Tendulkar who went on a rampage against Glenn McGrath, Pollock said "we'll be ready for whatever is thrown at us. We know the Indians are capable of going after anybody."