This is the best team to lift the World Cup: AB de Villiers

Auckland, March 7 (IANS)

Notwithstanding the loss against Pakistan in a rain-curtailed World Cup game on Saturday, South African skipper AB de Villiers asserted they have put together the best team to lift the trophy.

“I still believe we have the right group here to lift the trophy,” said De Villiers who top-scored for his side (77).

In a rain-shortened match decided by the Duckworth-Lewis method, South Africa went down chasing a total of 232 posted by Pakistan as left-arm seamers caused all sorts of problems for the Proteas batsmen.

But the skipper said the loss would not dent their confidence too much as they were still second on the leader board with three wins from five games.

De Villiers said it was difficult batting under lights, but gave no explanation why they could not chase down the total.

“We are still in a good position in the group, but I never like to lose. We were shocking with the bat. We have been under pressure many times in the last few years and came out on top.”

“It wasn't easy (batting under lights). Still, a good enough wicket to chase that down, no reason we shouldn't have chased it down,” he said.