The Proteas will be targeting a fifth win at the ICC Cricket World Cup when they face Pakistan on Friday in Chennai.

The Proteas are in a strong position to reach the semi-finals, but the eight-wicket win by Sri Lanka over England in Bengaluru on Thursday will put pressure on the top-ranked Pakistan to perform.

Mickey Arthur's charges have suffered three defeats in a row following loses to India, Australia and Afghanistan and they will be desperate to get their campaign back on track.

For the Proteas it will be important to stick to what has been working and focus on getting the basic right. There are big games lying ahead next week with matches against the Black Caps of New Zealand and the hosts India.

The Proteas captain, Temba Bavuma, will be back in action after missing the wins against England and Bangladesh in Mumbai.

Bavuma said for them it’s important not to get too far ahead of themselves, take it one game at a time and enjoy the journey.

“I think behind the outside of the cameras the guys are quite emotional I think that is a skill that we're all trying to learn, even myself. I think when we get into those pressure moments, I think that's where it's really going to count.

“We've had conversations around it. But I think the real, like I said, true sense is going to come when we get past those situations. But we're doing what we can in terms of to prepare ourselves as well as we can to let go of the outcome and really focus on our process and just not be too overly invested emotionally in what it will look like if we are in those position.

“I think it's also the understanding of knowing that we've come across a lot of challenges as a team to be in this point.

“Five games ago, we weren't probably seen as the favourites, but now, there's a lot more positivity around the Proteas and the South African team. But, I think it’s an old cliché, but we're trying to take it day-by -day and keep enjoying our processes and the journey.”

Play in Chennai is scheduled to start at 10:30.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport