South Africa have looked a settled unit in this World Cup. It has showed in their performance and a win for Temba Bavuma’s team against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday would all but confirm them of a semi-final berth.

Pakistan are almost out of this World Cup, having lost to India and Zimbabwe.

They still will harbour faint hopes of advancing if they manage to win on Thursday. Pakistan have won 11 of their 21 T20Is against South Africa, including all three games in the previous editions of the T20 World Cup. The match is being billed as a battle between the two teams which boast of the best fast bowling resources in the tournament. While South Africa’s pace battery, led by Lungi Ngidi, destroyed India on Sunday, Pakistan’s attack has failed to live up to expectations.

Pakistan’s floundering batting has been further dented by the injury of Fakhar Zaman. The team management has admitted they took a risk bringing Zaman to the World Cup after the batter had aggravated his knee injury.

He missed the defeats against India and Zimbabwe before returning against the Netherlands in Perth where he made 20 off 16 balls but in the course of the game suffered further problems with his knee. Zaman has been ruled out of Thursday’s match and that means Asif Ali could return. Other batting options available include Haider Ali and Khushdil Shah.

Fast bowler Naseem Shah said that Pakistan were trying to come out of the after effects of the loss to India in Melbourne.

“I don’t think anyone is thinking about the India game, because as a professional you can’t dwell on the past. Everyone was positive after that game,” he said.

South Africa’s David Miller said they are well prepared.

“We all know every game in the World Cup is important and you’ve got to make sure that you’re on your A-game,” Miller said on Wednesday.