SA upbeat for Morocco Cup final

South Africa should not be regarded as underdogs for Wednesday's Morocco Cup final against Sri Lanka, captain Shaun Pollock said on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka have already beaten Pollock's side twice in the group stages of the triangular tournament -- by 93 runs and by six wickets.

"We know what we have to do, that is the good thing for us," Pollock said. "We know where we have gone wrong and we know where we can improve.

"If we put that into practise then I don't see any reason why we can't win the final."

But the all-rounder admitted they would have to put more pressure on Sri Lanka's lower order to stand a chance of collecting the $120,000 first prize.

"At the moment their lower order hasn't been tested so we need to make early inroads when we bowl," Pollock added.

"Aravinda (de Silva) has been their rock so far, everyone has been batting around him so he's obviously a key player."

Pollock and Sri Lanka counterpart Sanath Jayasuriya have different views on conditions at the Tangiers Cricket Stadium. Pollock believes the team batting first has a huge advantage while Jayasuriya said he would be happy either way.

"The toss is crucial -- these wickets don't get any better as the day goes on," Pollock added.

"But the one we're using for the final has played far better than the other one so hopefully it will play well again."

Mail Cricket Editor