South Africa will need all the confidence and momentum they have gathered with three back-to-back victories when they take on England in a make-or-break match of the T20 World Cup in Sharjah on Saturday.

It’s Super Saturday as the semi-finalists from Group 1 will be decided based on the outcome of the day’s games.

Table-toppers England have a foot in the last-four stage with 8 points and a massive net run rate of +3.183. Even if they lose on Saturday, they will still probably make the semis. But there is a fierce fight on between South Africa and Australia for the second semi-final spot from the group.

Both the Proteas and the Aussies have the same number of points — 6 — but the latter are ahead in terms of net run rate.

South Africa, therefore, will take the field with the desperation of not only a win, but also a win by a good enough margin to boost their net run rate. It of course doesn’t help their cause that it’s England who stand in their way.

Eoin Morgan’s team have almost been flawless in their campaign so far. They have won all their matches, excelling in all three departments of the game.

To South Africa’s advantage, they will play the second game of the day with Australia taking on the West Indies in the afternoon match. Temba Bavuma’s side will, therefore, know exactly what they need to pip Australia.

Former pacer Morne Morkel is optimistic of South Africa’s chances. “The bowling attack is certainly the Proteas’ strength and I believe they can bowl us into the semi-finals,” Morkel wrote in his column for the ICC. “The Sharjah wicket will suit the Proteas and after winning a close game against Sri Lanka they will have a good understanding of conditions,” he added.

England will be missing injured left-arm pacer Tymal Mills. But it doesn’t look to be a big worry for Morgan as he has a good replacement in Mark Wood.