BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC):

Both captains were generally satisfied with the performance of their respective teams in the big first round Group A clash in the Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007 at Warner Park on Saturday.

Though South Africa's Graeme Smith might be disappointed that his team did not win, he was upbeat about his team's prospect of doing well in the Super Eight, or second round of the tournament.

Understandably, Australian skipper Ricky Ponting was happy not only for the 83-run victory but also the two (bonus) points to take into the next stage of the tournament.

Still ranked world number one in one-day international cricket, South Africa now head to Guyana to take on Sri Lanka on Wednesday at the new Providence Stadium just outside the capital, Georgetown.

Defending champions Australia, winners of the group with three wins, head to Antigua and Barbuda to take on hosts West Indies at the new Sir Vivian Richards Stadium at North Sound, about four miles east of the capital St. John's.

Smith said his team's decision to bowl first after winning the toss was made because they fancy their chances of chasing big totals, such as the 377 for six achieved by the Aussies.

South Africans on course

The South Africans were on course at 160 without loss, but the brilliant run out of AB de Villiers for 92 by Shane Watson and Smith's subsequent problems with cramps helped turn the game in Australia's favour.

But the left-handed opener, who hit 74, said 'there are one or two things' that they need to 'tighten up on' as they look to the second round with confidence.

"One of our strengths over the past few years has been our ability to pick ourselves up after a defeat," Smith added.

He said Matthew Hayden's record hit of 101, becoming the fastest centurion in CWC history, off just 66 balls, made the difference when the Aussies batted, while left-arm spinner Brad Hogg's three wickets came when they were trying to force quick runs.

Set the game up for them

"We were on top of him (Hogg) nicely (in his first few overs). It is always a nice option to have a quality leg-spinner in your side. I think it was when we got behind (the run rate) he came into his own. Hayden set the game up for them and we lost some quick wickets," Smith said.

Ponting said his players would not read too much into the win because the World Cup is now up and running (in the coming week) with bigger matches to come.

"It's one game down. We have to refocus and get ready for the West Indies. It's going to be exciting for me and the team," he said.

He said they didn't get worried when Smith and de Villiers were scoring quickly and freely.

"We just got to keep hanging there and hope for something. Shane Watson's run out changed things. Once we got a sniff we were all over them," he added.

"I was totally expecting them (Smith and de Villiers) to play the way they did. They only had one option," Ponting said.