Woolmer says South Africans his personal favourites to win Cup

New Delhi, Mar 12 (UNI) Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer does not think his side have the automatic chance to qualify for the semi-finals and has picked South Africa as his ''personal favourite'' to lift the World Cup if they do not have any serious reversal of form.

Woolmer chose the Proteas, Aussies and Kiwis to make the last four round in the mega event and the rest to fight it out for the fourth spot.

''They (South Africa) have a very balanced batting line-up with Mark Boucher coming in at number seven, Shaun Pollock at number eight and Justin Kemp at nine. They have a genuine game plan against any team and that can put teams under serious pressure,'' Woolmer, who coached the proteas in 1999, said.

''They could be exposed if they are needed to bowl spin. They aren't confident playing against the turning ball. Their weakness might be playing spin, although I think they have improved against it.

''To me they are the favourites walking into this World Cup, along with New Zealand and Australia. On current form and the way these three sides are playing, they should fill in the first three slots in the semi-finals, and then everyone else fights for the fourth spot,'' Woolmer told Cricinfo.

He said the South Africans were probably the fittest side in world cricket and it was really difficult to pin-point the areas they can improve upon.

''However, it is easier to get them earlier with the new ball and then bottle them down with spin. Playing against spin will be an area they would like to improve,'' Woolmer said.

UNI