The Proteas highest ever successful run-chase at a World Cup was in 2011 when they managed to better the 296 scored by India in Nagpur.

Furthermore, South Africa has not managed a successful run-chase of 300-plus during the last three years.

At the current World Cup, England, Bangladesh, and Pakistan all post targets in excess of 300.

There have been a few half decent performances with the bat for South Africa, but none of the batsmen have been able to convert the few half centuries into three figures.

In total, the Proteas batsman have scored only 7 half centuries in the entire competition. Quinton de Kock scored 68 against both England and Afghanistan. Rassie van der Dussen hit 50 against England and 67* against New Zealand.

Faf du Plessis scored 62 against Bangladesh, and 63 against Pakistan, while Hashim Amla scored 55 against the Black Caps.

The Proteas captain, Du Plessis, says they need to start building bigger partnerships with the bat.

“It was a five out of ten performance with the ball, and 30 runs too many.

“It was the same thing with the bat once again. At the start of our innings losing a wicket, and getting something going again, get a partnership going. Then wicket then bowled and another wicket.

“I feel like I am saying the same things over-and-over again, and that is really frustrating.

“For me at the moment it is a confidence thing. They are playing with low confidence and therefore are making even more mistakes.”

South Africa face Sri Lanka on Friday at Chester-Le-Street in Durham in what is their penultimate match of the World Cup.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport