Yesterday the Proteas were bundled out of the competition following their 8-wicket drubbing at the hands of India at the Oval.

South Africa only managed to beat Sri Lanka in Group B of the tournament, while in the three matches De Villiers managed to score just 20 runs.

De Villiers insisted that he is a good captain.

“Because I’m a good captain and I can take this team forward.

“I believe I can take us to win a World Cup.

“I believed the same thing at this tournament and the previous one.

“That’s what I believe and I love doing it.”

The destructive batsman, who is regarded as one of the best of all time, added that he believes South Africa are close to winning the World Cup or the next Champions Trophy.

“It doesn’t… I must be very honest with you and not a lot of people believe me.

“I feel it's pretty close, I don’t feel that it’s far away. It’s very difficult to say that after a performance like this, but that’s what I believe in my heart.

“I believe we’re very close as a unit and there’s more than enough talent and we’ve just got to get it right when it matters most.”

The winner of today’s clash between Sri Lanka and Pakistan will join England, Bangladesh and India in the semi-finals.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport