Smith upbeat after reaching quarterfinals

KOLKATA - South African skipper Graeme Smith praised his middle-order batsmen and a solid bowling performance as the Proteas became the first team from Group B to reach the World Cup quarterfinals Tuesday.

The Proteas, who batted first, were wobbling at 117-5 but J.P. Duminy's robust 99 took them to 272-7 in the day-night match at Eden Gardens before they bowled Ireland out for 141 to win by 131 runs.

"There were some good signs. When you look at the positives, we put ourselves under pressure with some stupid run outs," said Smith, who praised Duminy and Colin Ingram (46) for getting the innings back on track.