The Proteas have a renewed sense of confidence heading into the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

The Proteas edged the West Indies by three-wickets in Saint Lucia to reach the T20 World Cup semi-final for the first time in ten years.

While the Proteas will only know by Tuesday morning who they will face in the knockout game, they will take confidence into the game.

The spinner, Tabraiz Shamsi, who took three-wickets against the Windies said there has been a mindset shift in the team.

“Most of the games have been a lot closer than we would have personally liked, but the amazing thing is that this new Proteas team always seems to get over the line,” said Shamsi.

“We've been put under huge pressure basically in every single game that we've played and the boys have managed to find a way to win no matter what the situation is, no matter how close the game is.

“So that's really pleasing for us as a unit, and it's sort of like in a funny way we're looking forward to it.”

Shamsi added that while there has been criticism of their performances, they go out there each time to win – sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

“It's just a little bit ridiculous when it's ex-players - when they were on the field they did the same things and know we're trying our best. That's part of the game right we got to go out there and do our job.

“As cricketers we know sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Whatever the guys speak about behind the scenes in our changeroom, that's all that matters.

You’ve got to turn up and try your best the next day maybe I might go for 50 again in the next game maybe I might be man of the match again nobody knows.”

The Proteas could face India, Australia, or Afghanistan in the semi-finals.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport