The Proteas have a golden opportunity to finish at the top of the log at the ICC Cricket World Cup in India but that will all depend on their next match on Sunday.

South Africa will face their toughest challenge of the World Cup when they take on the host nation India in Kolkata.

A win for the Protas will secure their place in the knockout rounds, but even if they lose, they will then just need to be Afghanistan. While that is not a given, the way the Proteas have played, it shouldn't be an issue.

India became the first team to secure their spot in the semi-finals following their convincing 302-run victory against Sri Lanka in Mumbai yesterday.

The Proteas have by far the best net run rate in the World Cup and this enhances their chances of securing the top-spot.

One of the major strengths of the Proteas at the World Cup this year has been their ability to do the basics well, while also not panicking when the pressure is on.

Rassie van der Dussen - Cricinfo

The man of the match from the 190-run win against New Zealand, Rassie van der Dussen, said this is all down to proper planning.

“I think that's a result of what we want to do when we're out in the middle,” said Van der Dussen.

“We talk about what's - assessing conditions and what's the correct option and always having the correct intent. That sort of differs throughout the innings, your options, and your intent.

“But we know if we can tick those boxes, naturally you put yourself in a better position to score and to be in positions to manoeuvre the ball where you want to.

“We don't really look to tick those boxes per se, but I think they tell a story in hindsight of where we are and how we want to go about it I suppose.”

Mohammed Shami dismisses Angelo Matthews - Cricinfo

Meanwhile, India were ruthless in their annihilation of Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium. Batting first, India scored 357/8 in their 50-overs thanks to 98 by Shubman Gill, 88 by Virat Kohli and 82 by Shereyas Iyer.

They had Sri Lanka on the ropes at 14/6 after just 9.4 overs and were ultimately bowled out for 55. Mohammed Shami was the chief destroyer for India with 5/18.

The Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, said they are delighted to qualify for the next round.

“We are very happy knowing that we have officially qualified for the semi-finals,” said Sharma.

“We've had a really good effort from the entire squad and when we started off in Chennai, qualifying was the first goal for us, and then looking at the semis and final.

“All-in-all I thought that our approach in the first seven games was quite clinical. Everybody put in the effort and we also wanted individuals to stand up as well.”

Sunday’s game between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens gets underway at 10:30.

Meanwhile, on Friday in Lucknow it's a battle of the minnows with Afghanistan in action against the Netherlands. A win will strengthen Afghanistan's very real chance of reaching the semi-finals, while the Dutch still have a mathematical chance of reaching the knockout rounds.

Play in Lucknow will get underway at 10:30.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport