'It Was a Beating'

"It was a beating, they (South Africa) really got a beating tonight," was the frank description offered by legendary former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd of the West Indies six wicket victory over South Africa in the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy.

Defending champions West Indies steamrolled their way into the final on Sunday against Australia with a hammering of South Africa in the second semi final. South Africa posted a competitive 258 but had no answer to Chris Gayle's onslaught as he finished with an unbeaten 133 to lead the frenetic West Indies run chase.

"This win (against South Africa) gives us a lot of fight going into the final, it is fortitude, we now feel we can beat anyone," Lloyd said.

"I think for the players there is now a belief in themselves, they are now looking more positive," Lloyd said about the West Indies players with whom he is working to offer his experience and expertise.

"I am very impressed with our general cricket, our fielding as well has improved," said Lloyd who is the double World Cup winning captain of 1975 and 1979.

"We are playing very good cricket as we have a very good chance of retaining this (ICC Champions) trophy," Lloyd added.

I hope we do it (win the ICC CT) because it augurs well for the World Cup (in the Caribbean in 2007) if we can go back as champions of the ICC Champions Trophy," the 62 year old said.

It (ICC CT) is the second highest One Day trophy in the world it would give our players a lot of impetus and the young people at home would want to play, they would want to join this team, that?s the whole thing about being successful, everybody wants to join a successful team," he said.

In closing Lloyd also made a brave proclamation.

"We can prove that we are the best One Day side in the world on Sunday."

In a few days time, Brian Lara's West Indies just might prove him right.