Graeme Smith: Critics will have to eat the 'choker' jibes

Graeme Smith believes his South Africa side will prove they have shed their tag as perennial 'chokers' after making it to the semi-finals of the World Twenty20 thanks to a run of five straight wins.

The Proteas saw off India in their final Super Eight clash at Trent Bridge yesterday and now face Pakistan in the final four.

Previous South Africa sides have been accused of wilting under pressure in big tournaments, but Smith believes times have changed.

"I think we've come past that," Smith said after his side defended a modest 130 for five to beat the holders by 12 runs.

"This team has come a long way and I think we've proven that. How we've played under pressure has been incredible."

Semi-finals: Tomorrow - South Africa v Pakistan (Trent Bridge, 5.30pm); Friday - Sri Lanka v West Indies (The Brit Oval, 5.30pm).