South Africa currently sit third in Group 1, but they have put themselves firmly in contention after Sunday’s crucial six-wicket victory over India at Old Trafford in Manchester. That result breathed new life into their campaign and left them with their destiny firmly in their own hands. 

The equation is straightforward. Victories over the Netherlands and Bangladesh in their remaining pool matches should be enough to book a place in the last four.

Marizanne Kapp. Photo: ICC

India, the reigning 50-over world champions, still have to take on world number one Australia. A defeat there would all but end their World Cup hopes and further strengthen South Africa's position.

While the victory over India was one of South Africa’s best performances of the tournament, head coach Mandla Mashimbyi believes there is still another level for his side to reach. The Proteas batting line-up has shown flashes of brilliance without consistently producing the complete performance they know they are capable of. 

Mashimbyi says the focus remains on sticking to the team’s aggressive approach. “We want to focus on how we play cricket,” said Mashimbyi.

“We pride ourselves on playing an aggressive brand of cricket, but we haven’t consistently shown that over the past few matches. We’re still working towards putting together a complete batting performance.

“Hopefully these next two games give the players the confidence they need. If we qualify for the semi-finals, we want to be exactly where we need to be as a batting unit.

“Our batting has been a little scratchy at times, but I’m confident we’ll deliver that complete performance before this tournament is over.”

Babette de Leede. Photo: ICC

The return of Tazmin Brits to the starting XI proved to be a timely boost after she missed South Africa’s opening two matches. Her fluent innings alongside Marizanne Kapp against India underlined the work she has put in since the tour to New Zealand earlier this year.

Mashimbyi said improving Brits’ strike rate and consistency in the shortest format has been a major focus over recent months. “She’s worked incredibly hard since New Zealand,” he explained.

“We identified a few technical areas that could help improve both her strike rate and average in T20 cricket, and she’s put in the effort. It was pleasing to see that work pay off.

The Netherlands celebrating a wicket against Australia. Photo: ICC

“That said, we still believe there’s another level she can reach. Often it’s the mental side of the game. Our players need to conquer themselves before they can conquer the world.”

Although South Africa will start as overwhelming favourites, the Proteas are taking nothing for granted against an improving Netherlands side.

Ranked 14th in the world, the Dutch produced their best batting display of the tournament against defending champions Australia, posting 121/3, the highest total scored against the Australians in this World Cup. 

Huge opportunities

Captain Babette de Leede led from the front with an unbeaten half-century and believes her side is capable of springing a surprise.

“We’d love to leave the tournament with a victory,” De Leede said. “The matches against South Africa and Pakistan are huge opportunities for us to show the quality we have and hopefully get over the line.

“We batted really well against Australia and posted the highest total anyone has managed against them. Now we just need to improve with the ball and in the field.

Iris Zwilling. Photo: ICC

“Our fielding against India was the standard we want to maintain, and we’ve already learned a great deal from this tournament.”

With a semi-final place within touching distance, the Proteas know there is no room for complacency. A professional performance in Bristol would leave them on the brink of another appearance in the last four and keep alive their dream of lifting a maiden T20 World Cup title.

Play at the County Ground in Bristol gets underway at 19:30 on Thursday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh