DARYLL Cullinan, undefeated on 68, steered the World Cup XI to a hardfought three run victory over a Rest of SA XI in Gary Kirsten’s benefit match at Newlands on Tuesday. Hansie Cronje’s men posted 208/5 in 45 overs to which Peter Kirsten’s team replied with 205/9. With the Rest needing 10 runs from the last over for victory, Gary Kirsten brought himself on to bowl and managed to stave off a determined onslaught by Meyrick Pringle who hit a six from the last ball. The SA XI made a slow, but solid start with Cronje in the role as opener. The SA skipper and Gary Kirsten both posted 31 runs for an opening stand of 66 in 17 overs. Jacques Kallis could only contribute 16 before he was caught leg before by Eric Simons, but then Cullinan came to the crease. Louis Koen, with a valuable 51 from 71 balls (7×4 and 1×6) got the rest off to a good start, but unfortunately for his team Dale Benkenstein (36) got bogged down. He batted for 89 minutes and 71 balls (2×4) and put the rest of his team under pressure as they tried to force the pace. Eric Simons, 28 from 30 balls, tried to chase the target, but when he was bowled the pace fell off. Jacques Kallis 2/28 and Shaun Pollock 2/35–both from eight overs–and Nicky Boje 2/27 from seven, were the most successful bowlers.