South Africa's Jacques Kallis insists he is not out to prove anyone wrong as he prepares for his first ICC World Twenty20.

The all-rounder was controversially omitted from the squad for the inaugural tournament two years ago following the alleged intervention of Norman Arendse, who was then president of Cricket South Africa.

But after a successful IPL campaign, helping the Royal Challengers Bangalore finish second, Kallis is now relishing his role at the top of the South Africa order.

Kallis completed his ICC World Twenty20 preparations with a quick-fire 57 from 40 deliveries as South Africa cruised to a 30-run warm-up victory over Ireland at Southgate.

Kallis enjoying T20

Asked about the situation in 2007, Kallis said: "That was the Norman Arendse issue, that was a totally seperate issue. I still don't go out to play this game to prove anyone wrong. I never will.

"I play this game for the challenge and Twenty20 cricket has brought a new challenge for me and it is certainly something I am really enjoying."

Kallis retired in the 12th over after building an opening stand of 109 with captain Graeme Smith.

After Smith retired on 63 from 41 balls Ireland managed to peg South Africa back to a total of 163 for four, with Peter Connell taking two for 35.

Niall O'Brien then carried the attack to South Africa with the bat, scoring 62 from 52 deliveries, but Ireland did not have firepower to match Kallis' early onslaught.

"I have enjoyed it at the top of the order," said Kallis, who has not always been seen as a natural limited overs batsman.

Worked hard and IPL has helped

"I have worked hard on my Twenty20 cricket over the last year with Micky Arthur and Duncan Fletcher and I had a really good IPL so I come into the tournament pretty confident.

"The IPL was a big learning curve and I was pleased not only to contribute with the bat but also the ball as well.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed it, especially in the IPL where I played with a lot more freedom than I have been allowed to."

"Proteans are hungry"

Predicting the winner of any Twenty20 tournament is difficult given the nature of the game, but Kallis warned the Proteas' competitors they will be competing hard for the title.

"The guys are fresh and hungry and looking forward to it. The guys really want to end a successful season with this World Cup," he said.

South Africa open their campaign against Scotland on Sunday at The Oval, the day before Ireland tackle Bangladesh at Trent Bridge.

Ireland have only had limited exposure to Twenty20 cricket but captain Williams Porterfield is happy with their preparations, which included a nailbiting victory over the Netherlands.

And he believes Monday's game against Bangladesh is the ideal way for Ireland to start the tournament.

"Over our last three games we have been progressing and improving. We have shown we can score runs at this level - it is just believing it," he said.

"We are in a position now where we are ready to go out and play and post a winning total.

"Bangladesh is our biggest game first up. We will know their result against India and it will be like a final to us. It is a great way to start the tournament. There is no bigger game."