Chris Gayle - Reuters

JAIPUR, (Reuters)

West Indies will have to be at their best to beat South Africa in their Champions Trophy semi-final tomorrow, said batsman Chris Gayle.

South Africa routed Pakistan for a berth in the last four with a clinical bowling display after Mark Boucher and Justin Kemp rescued the former winners from a precarious 42-5 with a 131-run stand on a seaming Mohali pitch.

Strike bowler Makhaya Ntini then captured five for 21 in an inspired spell to skittle Pakistan out for a paltry 89.

"They will come very hard at us. We have to back ourselves and get the job done," the 27-year-old Jamaican left-hander told reporters yesterday.

"They were very impressive. South Africa have played good cricket in the last two matches.

Opener Gayle said the defeat to England in the final group match was not a major setback.

"Obviously we wanted to win every match, but unfortunately a few of the England players played good innings and that set us back.

Loss to england not major

"(But) it was not a major setback for us, and now we are focusing on the match against South Africa."

Gayle, who scored a century against Bangladesh in the qualifiers, said he hoped to carry his good form forward.

West Indies have been touring since early September and are scheduled to travel to Pakistan immediately after the Champions Trophy for a Test and one-day series.

"It has been a long tour for us from Malaysia to India, the qualifying matches. Cricket is played in the mind and lots of cricket is better for us," he said.

Meanwhile, South Africa coach Mickey Arthur is backing his fast bowlers to deliver another match-winning performance.

Arthur's team beat to claim a berth in the last four, with Makhaya Ntini picking up five for 21 in an inspired spell of fast bowling.

"If you look at the tournament most teams have struggled at the top of the order," Arthur told reporters yesterday. "It is indicative of the wickets we have played on.

"It was certainly our game plan to take wickets at the start and I am sure we will get it right here too. We've done lots of analysis and we have planned for West Indies."

South Africa were beaten by New Zealand in their opening group match before bouncing back with victories over Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

"We were a little bit rusty and it has taken some time to find our rhythm but I believe we have grown strong as the competition has moved on," Arthur said.

"You must remember we came out of winter and we were supposed to play a one-day series in Sri Lanka which unfortunately was called off."

Arthur also said his side would not take West Indies lightly. "We know West Indies have lots of star players who can turn a game," he said.