The Proteas take a lot of confidence out of their close wins at the ICC T20 World Cup being played in the Caribbean ahead of their big semi-final against Afghanistan.

The Proteas are into the semi-finals following their thrilling 3-wicket win against West Indies on Sunday in Antigua and they will be thinking this is their best opportunity yet to reach the elusive final.

The Proteas have had a tough route into the semi-finals and they have been tested throughout the competition. That said they have managed to beat the defending champions, England, and beating a team of such high regard will just fuel the fire.

The North West Dragons seamer, Marco Jansen, who hit a six for the win against the West Indies, told OFM Sport that while the nerves are shot, the confidence is building.

“I don't think the close wins does our 'senuwees' well,” said the lanky former Knights player.

“But, obviously getting those wins over the line for the team and everyone chipping in at different stages and putting their hands up gives everyone a lot of confidence.

“It shows that on any given day anyone can step-up and finish the job for the team - it's a very nice feeling.”

Rob Walter - Morgan Piek

The Proteas coach, Rob Walter, in turn said that while they are unbeaten it bodes well for the team that they have been able to record wins while they have played well and while they haven’t played well.

“We will obviously draw what confidence we can from the wins,” said Walter.

“We have won games having played well, and we have won games having not so well - which is always a good sign and you always that as much as you can from each fixture.

“We tries to take each game one at a time on this journey and we've managed to string seven wins together. Two more to go and hopefully not as close though.”

The semi-final between South Africa and Afghanistan in Trinidad & Tobago will be played on Thursday and is scheduled to start at 2:30am.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport