IANS

London, Jun 12: After being handed a comprehensive seven-wicket loss by the South Africans in the cricket World Twenty20, England captain Paul Collingwood Friday tipped Proteas as the favourites to win the competition.

South Africa Thursday packed off England for mere 111 in a Super Eight, Group E match and later comfortably reached the target in 16.4 overs.

"South Africa proved why they are going to be favourites in the competition," Collingwood was quoted as saying in the English media.

"They set standards with their fielding and their bowling and put us under a lot of pressure. On the day, they were much better than us. Sometimes it takes a great catch - a 50-50 chance like KP's - to turn a game and that sort of thing is why they are the favourites.

"Their team covers all bases. They fling themselves around in the field and are very quick. There are not many areas that you can really target.''

England now play India in The Oval Sunday in a must win situation to keep their semi-final hopes alive.